Grand Ole Opry Honors Service Members And Their Families With ‘Salute The Troops’ Performance
This special Memorial Day program will air on Saturday, May 25.
Grand Ole Opry / Chris Hollo
Trace Adkins backstage with his invited guests. Left to right: Josh Bryant (Iraqi Freedom), James Hubbard (Vietnam), James F. Wren (WWII), Oscar Minchey (WWII), John W. Collins (Korea), Trace Adkins, Arnold "AW" Simpkins (WWII), Bryan Gerwitz (Iraqi Freedom), Bryan Anderson (Iraqi Freedom), Ben Fouts (Vietnam)One beloved annual tradition in Nashville, Tennessee rolls out the red carpet for active duty and veteran service members and their families.
This week at the Grand Ole Opry, United States Military and VFW members were honored with a memorable thank-you for their service presented by none other than a few of our finest country musicians. The ‘Salute The Troops’ show, which happens each year around Memorial Day, has become a highlight at the Opry, honoring the service, dedication, and sacrifice of those who have fought for our freedom as well as the resilience and support of military parents, spouses, and children.
The event began with a “red-carpet arrivals parade” that allowed guests to meet with the night’s performers, which included Opry members Trace Adkins, Lauren Alaina, John Conlee, Charlie McCoy, Craig Morgan (who serves as an Army Reserve Warrant Officer), Lee Brice, HunterGirl, Austin Snell, and Sal Gonzalez.
Grand Ole Opry / Chris Hollo
Lauren Alaina greets military guests and families during the red carpet parade.The red carpet parade was led by Lt. Gen Jody Daniels (Commanding General of the U.S. Army Reserve), retired Army Lt. Gen Keith Huber (senior advisor for veterans and leadership initiatives at MTSU & founder of the MTSU Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center), and Carol Whitmore, Jr. (Vice Commander-in-Chief with the VFW).
During the show, powerful moments included Craig Morgan performing a song with the 313th U.S. Army Band and HunterGirl performing “Harleys in Heaven,” a song she wrote with a fallen veteran's wife, Heather Von Loh, who was in the audience.
Grand Ole Opry / Chris Hollo
Craig Morgan performs a song with the 313th U.S. Army Band.The Opry’s ‘Salute The Troops’ show will air on Saturday, May 25 across various channels. Viewers can watch portions on the Opry Facebook and YouTube channels or tune into the Circle Now app (free) or Circle Country digital streaming partners at 9/8 p.m. CST. You can also catch this musical tribute on the radio; it will air on WSM Radio and Willie’s Roadhouse (SiriusXM, Channel 59).
Thank you, veterans, for your service to our country and commitment to our freedom. And to the families of fallen soldiers—we honor you this Memorial Day.
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