O, Columbia! the gem of the ocean,
The home of the brave and the free,
The shrine if each patriot's devotion,
A world offers homage to thee.
Thy mandates make heroes assemble
When Liberty's form stands in view;
Thy banners make tyranny tremble
When borne by the Red, White and Blue!
When borne by the Red, White and Blue!
When borne by the Red, White and Blue!
Thy banners make tyranny tremble
When borne by the Red, White and Blue!
Written in 1843 and extremely popular during
the Lincoln years, "Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean" was usually included
among the patriotic songs played by the Marine Band for the President's ceremonial
gatherings.