America’s oldest military band ‘The President’s Own’ performs ‘How Great Thou Art,’ one of the greatest hymns ever written and it is absolutely breathtaking.
So ‘How Great Thou Art’ goes all the way back to 1885 when a Swedish poet named Carl Boberg wrote it after watching a thunderstorm pass through the countryside. He looked out at creation and just couldn’t hold it in.
Stuart K. Hine later translated it into English in 1949 and the message is so simple but so powerful. It’s about standing in awe of God. His creation. The cross. The promise that He’s coming back for us.
The Performance That Gave Everyone Chills
On May 17, 2026 ‘The President’s Own’ United States Marine Band performed this hymn live in Washington D.C. during the Rededicate 250 event. This wasn’t just any band either. They were founded in 1798 by an Act of Congress making them the oldest continuously active professional musical organization in America.
The nickname ‘The President’s Own’ became their traditional title over the years because of their unique role playing directly for the President. They’ve performed at many presidential inaugurations throughout history.
These musicians come from top conservatories and major orchestras through intense auditions. They don’t go through regular recruit training. They enlist purely to play.
In this ‘How Great Thou Art’ performance, their incredible musicians stirred the hearts of thousands of people. They weren’t just playing music they were proclaiming every word of that hymn over our nation. And that’s what we need right now.
“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork.” – Psalm 19:1 (NKJV)
WATCH: ‘The President’s Own’ Marine Band Performs ‘How Great Thou Art’
