I know what you’re thinking, how does Memorial Day and remembering our troops tie into the music? Well, whether they’re creating protest songs about the war or traveling to visit the troops, musicians are impacted by the subject. Some, like Johnny Cash, Jimi Hendrix, and Elvis have even served in our military before starting their careers in music.
When I think of music and the miltary, the USO shows pop into my head immediately. The United Service Organizations Inc. (USO) is a private, nonprofit organization that provides morale and recreational services to members of the U.S. military, with programs in 160 centers worldwide. Since 1941, it has worked in partnership with the Department of Defense (DOD), and has provided support and entertainment to U.S. armed forces, relying heavily on private contributions. You can check out their timeline here. It’s really amazing to see how far the shows have come! Below is a list of just some of the musicians and other celebrities who have performed overseas for our troops:
Bing Crosby
Frank Sinatra
Gary Cooper
Fred Astaire
Lucille Ball
Glenn Miller
Mickey Rooney
Dinah Shore
Bob Hope
John Wayne
Sammy Davis Jr.
Wayne Newton
Redd Foxx
Anita Bryant
Craig Ferguson
Gary Sinise
Carrie Underwood
Toby Keith
Dave Attell
Louis C.K.
As the grills are fired up for the weekend, the pools are opened, and everyone is enjoying the sunshine, I ask that you take a moment to remember our troops. Not just those in the past, but those serving our country now. As much as you may be against the war, these men and woman are out there everyday doing the work so we can go about our normal, every day lives. At the very least, they deserve a thank you. If you want to do more than just say thanks, there’s a number of ways you can help:
Coalition for Iraq + Afghanistan Veterans
US Department of Veterans Affairs
My Dad's Albums 