Silke Jasso
Thousands of attendees gathered at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C., ahead of inauguration day to celebrate President-elect Donald Trump during the “Make America Great Again! Welcome Celebration” concert on Jan.19.
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One of the major highlights of the evening took place when country legend Lee Greenwood stepped out to perform his signature song, “God Bless the U.S.A.”
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Lee, 74, was joined by The Frontmen of Country members — Larry Stewart, of Restless Heart, Richie McDonald, of Lonestar, and Tim Rushlow, (formerly of Little Texas.) Donning a clean-cut suit jacket, the five-time Grammy winner gripped the microphone and delivered the simple, yet powerful lyrics of being “proud to be an American.” And, it was clear that Lee’s message resonated with Donald, as he was shown singing along to the 1984 patriotic anthem.
The crowd was also enthused over Lee’s touching rendition. They used their cell phones to snap photos of the star, and cheered loudly during the familiar “God Bless the U.S.A” chorus.
Following Lee’s performance he told FOX Business Network, “I don’t really get emotional about an awful lot of things, but when I saw the people stand up and start waving their hands when I sang ‘Proud to be an American,’ I just reflected on the years that America has had in the past when we haven’t been proud at times. And we’re making America proud again.”
This isn’t the first time that Lee’s performed for an incoming president. In fact, he’s previously taken the stage for the presidential inaugurations of Ronald Reagan, George Bush and George W. Bush. Though, this is Lee’s fourth inaugural related performance, he was still moved by the crowd’s energy.
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He said, “[It was] bigger… the crowd was absolutely electric. I’ve sang this song a number of times, never in this setting, never that kind of moment have I had in my entire career.”
Watch Lee’s stunning rendition of “God Bless the U.S.A.” above.
