To draw attention to Sousa's patriotism is hardly necessary, although many may not realize the extent of this composer's seemingly boundless sense of duty to his country. Not only did he serve in the Marines for seven years in his youth and later lead the Marine Band for 12 years, but, in 1917, at the age of 62, and with his country embroiled in World War I, he joined the Naval Reserve and was given the rank of lieutenant. In 1919, he resumed touring with his band. It was during his stint in the Naval Reserve that Sousa turned out this patriotic march, Saber and Spurs, dedicated to the 311th Cavalry of the United States Army. The work opens with a jaunty march tune whose brightly lit manner is highlighted by Sousa's characteristic upper-range sonorities. The music is joyous, giving no hint of war, no sign of strife in its bouncy gait. One can almost hear the brass cackling at times. A variant of the main theme appears midway through, bringing with it a more mellow, more subdued character. Gradually, however, the music grows bigger and more festive, and the work triumphantly ends. This popular march typically has a duration of about three minutes.

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