“In 1942, I had a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I finally received my American citizenship papers. Having lived for many years as a ‘man without a country,’ I was deeply moved by this ceremony. Just before the end of World War II, I arranged The Stars and Stripes Forever. I proudly presented to my fellow citizens what I believed was the most fitting expression of my love for this great nation and its great victory,” Horowitz stated.

This virtuosic arrangement for piano of Sousa's march The Stars and Stripes Forever, so popular it is often called America's second national anthem, gained overwhelming popularity.