It incorporates both original musical themes by Meacham and melodies from American patriotic songs of the era such as "Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean," "Dixie," and "Yankee Doodle."

[3] In 1896, Halle's Concert Band performed it as part of Fourth of July celebrations at Winthrop Park in New York City.

[4] The Professor, played by Russell Johnson, performed the song on a flute on the television series Gilligan's Island in episode 26, "Music Hath Charm".

The recording was reissued as RCA Victor 20-1564-A backed with "Song of the Volga Boatmen" as Side 1 on the four disc 78 album, P-148, Glenn Miller.

[6] The musicians on the Glenn Miller studio recording were: Saxes: Tex Beneke, Wilbur Schwartz, Ernie Caceres, Al Klink, Lloyd "Skip" Martin; Trumpets: John Best, R. D. McMickle, Billy May, Steve Lipkins; Trombones: Glenn Miller, Jimmy Priddy, Paul Tanner, Frank D'Annolfo; Piano: Chummy MacGregor; String Bass: Edward "Doc" Goldberg; Guitar: Bobby Hackett; Drums: Moe Purtill.