Lee Greenwood isn’t about to let the coronavirus pandemic get in the way of his favorite holiday. The 77-year-old will host a free Memorial Day concert on Monday, May 25, broadcasting on Facebook Live from 4 to 5:30 PM CT.
“Every year I look forward to this weekend honoring the men and women who have given all for our freedom,” Lee said (via Fox 17). “Usually, I’m touring across America celebrating Memorial Day. However because of the pandemic, we are sitting at home to keep everyone safe. So I decided to create a virtual concert as my gift. We need to celebrate America now more than ever.”
Lee, who adds that the concert is his way to pay “tribute to those who have given us the right to do so,” will undoubtedly perform his most-beloved hit, “God Bless the USA.” The song was written shortly after Korean Air Lines Flight 007 was shot down in 1983, but gained even more popularity after the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
“I wanted to write it my whole life.,” Lee explained. “When I got to that point, we were doing 300 days a year on the road, and we were on our fourth or fifth album on MCA. I called my producer, and I said, ‘I have a need to do this.’ I’ve always wanted to write a song about America, and I said, ‘We just need to be more united.'”
Lee plans to hit the road again later this year. Find updates by visiting his website.