Hail to the Chief Hail to the Chief "Hail to the Chief" is the official Presidential Anthem of the United States, composed by James Sanderson. The song's playing accompanies the appearance of the President of the United States at many public events. For major official occasions, the United States Marine Band and other military ensembles are generally the performers, so directives of the United States Department of Defense have, since 1954, been the main basis for according it official status. It is preceded by four ruffles and flourishes when played for the President. The song is also played during a former President's state funeral
Assaulting, kidnapping, and assassinating the government officials of the United States Assaulting, kidnapping, and assassinating the government officials of the United States Assaulting, kidnapping, and assassinating the government officials of the United States, their families, and foreign dignitaries and official guests, is a crime under various statutes, including (Assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers or employees), (Protection of foreign officials, official guests, and internationally protected persons), (Influencing, impeding, or retaliating against a Federal official by threatening or injuring a family member), (Congressional, Cabinet, and Supreme Court assassination, kidnapping, and assault), and (Presidential and Presidential staff assassination, kidnapping, and assault). Senator Robert Byrd stated, in introducing the bill that became 18 U.S.C.