The Grand Ole Opry Salutes USO’s 75th Anniversary

The Grand Ole Opry has a special show set for May 24 to celebrate the USO’s 75th anniversary.

The lineup includes Trace Adkins, Charlie Daniels Band, Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, Lee Greenwood, the Oak Ridge Boys, and more, including the MusiCorps Wounded Warrior Band making its third appearance on the Opry stage.

Prior to the show, special guest U.S. veterans will be welcomed to the Opry House by artists and fans during a red carpet arrival parade. Participating veterans will represent service members who have served during World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and the War on Terror and have returned to support other service members as USO volunteers.

The public is invited to be a part of the red carpet arrivals outside the Opry House beginning at 5:45 p.m. The evening’s Opry performance begins at 7:00 p.m.

“All of us at the Opry are ever-thankful for the men and women we will be recognizing on May 24,” said Opry Vice President and General Manager Pete Fisher. “It’s the perfect night to show in word and song our appreciation to those who have served our country, and in particular those who have returned to strengthen America’s military as USO volunteers.”

The USO’s partnership with the country music industry dates as far back as the early 1940’s, when Gene Autry traveled to the Pacific and toured with a group of USO performers. Following in his footsteps and beginning what is now a long-standing tradition, stars of the Grand Ole Opry began touring with the USO in 1949. Among some of the earliest faces to participate in USO tours were Red Foley, Roy Acuff, Minnie Pearl, Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, and Roy Rogers, among others.

MusiCorps is a music rehabilitation program at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center that helps severely wounded warriors play music and recover their lives. The MusiCorps Wounded Warrior Band’s Opry appearance is made possible by Humana, presenting sponsor of the Grand Ole Opry.

The USO (United Services Organization) is a private, non-profit organization, not a government agency. Its programs, services and entertainment tours are made possible by the American people, support of corporate partners and the dedication of volunteers and staff.