Per the title, "Hail to the Chief" is the official song that announces that the President of the United States has arrived. The song was originally known as "Lady of the Lake" and debuted in New York May 8, 1812. On July 4, 1828, the United States' Marine Band performed the song at a ceremony for the formal opening of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, which was attended by President John Quincy Adams. The song was first played to announce the arrival of the president at James K. Polk's inauguration on March 4, 1845. Today it is preceded by four ruffles and flourishes when played for the President.