In Memoriam: President Garfield's Funeral March In Memoriam: President Garfield's Funeral March "In Memoriam: President Garfield's Funeral March" is a funeral dirge composed by John Philip Sousa in 1881, while serving as director of "the President's Own" United States Marine Band, for the state funeral of President of the United States James Garfield. It was debuted during the committal of Garfield's remains and, 51 years later, was performed at Sousa's own funeral by the Marine Band. It is one of only two compositions Sousa dedicated to an American president, both of which were made to Garfield. On July 2, 1881 at the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad
President for life such as Jean-Jacques Dessalines and Henry Christophe in Haiti. A president for life may be regarded as a "de facto" monarch. In fact, other than the title, political scientists often face difficulties in differentiating a state ruled by a president for life (especially one who inherits the job from a family dictatorship) and a monarchy. Most leaders who have proclaimed themselves president for life have not in fact gone on to successfully serve a life term. Most have been deposed long before their death while others truly fulfill their title by being assassinated while in office. However, some, such as