Historically , in show business and particularly in theater and the circus , this piece is called " the Disaster March " . In the early 20th century , when it was common for theaters and circuses to have house bands , this march was a traditional code signaling a life-threatening emergency . It subtly notified personnel of emergency situations and ideally allowed them to organize the audience 's exit without causing the chaos and panic that an overt declaration might . Circus bands would never play the tune under circumstances other than impending disaster . One memorable example of its use was during the Hartford circus fire of July 6 , 1944 . At least 168 people were killed , though some estimates are much higher
Hartford circus fire
Hartford circus fire
The Stars and Stripes Forever