To commemorate the two hundredth anniversary of the birth of George Washington, a Bicentennial Commission held a gala celebration. The climax of the celebration was an impressive ceremony at the Capitol Plaza on February 22, 1932, for which Sousa composed the George Washington Bicentennial March. At this event, which was the next to last appearance before his death, Sousa conducted the combined bands of the U.S. Army, Navy, and Marine Corps in the new march. Although written at the very end of his career, this brilliant and inventive march is considered one of Sousa's finest accomplishments. --James Huff 04:59, 18 May 2009 (UTC) (from the program notes of The Claremont Winds, submitted with permission)