The music was composed by
Philip Phile in 1790 for the
first inauguration of George Washington and titled "'''The President's March'''". It became the song "Hail, Columbia" when arranged with lyrics by
Joseph Hopkinson in 1798. The song gained popularity during the
XYZ Affair and subsequent
Quasi-War with
France. The song was used in the United States as a de facto national anthem throughout the 19th century. However, the song lost popularity after
World War I and was replaced by "
The Star-Spangled Banner" in 1931. It was the personal anthem for the
president, until it was replaced by the song "
Hail to the Chief", and it is now the official vice president's personal anthem. The song is always preceded by four
ruffles and flourishes when introducing the vice president. It has also been used as a slow march during military ceremonies, often while the band
countermarches. It is played at
inauguration ceremonies upon the arrival of the incumbent vice president (if newly re-elected), and immediately after the vice president takes their oath of office. There have, however, been exceptional circumstances where "Hail, Columbia" was played for an outgoing vice president, such as at the
Inauguration of Joe Biden in 2021, when the outgoing President
Donald Trump did not attend the inaugural ceremonies. As such, where at the inauguration of their successors the outgoing president and vice president conventionally arrive together accompanied by "Hail to the Chief", outgoing Vice President
Mike Pence was introduced along with his wife, Second Lady
Karen Pence accompanied by "Hail, Columbia". ==Lyrics==