On this day in 1901 John Philip Sousa and his band performed a private concert for Queen Alexandria’s birthday and then King Edward VII awarded the March King with the Royal Victorian Medal.  This historical tidbit highlights one of Sousa’s proudest moments while on tour.  This news clipping comes from the Center’s Sousa press books that are part of the Paul E. Bierley Papers which document Sousa’s life and career.  For more information about these press books call 217-333-4577.