With a melody of unknown origin and a text written by Samuel Francis Smith, this work was given its first public performance on July 4, 1831 at an Independence Day celebration in Boston. It was published a year later under the title America. This arrangement was performed at the Capitol for the inauguration of Donald Trump, 45th President of the United States, on January 20, 2017. Required to be an unaccompanied arrangement, it follows a theme and variations structure where the melody is passed throughout the choir. Due to the nature of the event, this arrangement is deliberately ceremonial in feel.