The Grand Ole Opry Unites Trace Adkins & More To ‘Salute The Troops’
Trace Adkins backstage with U.S. Military veterans from World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War and Desert Storm. Pictured (L–R): Josh Bryant (Iraqi Freedom), James Hubbard (Vietnam War), James F. Wren (WWII), Oscar Minchey (WWII), John W. Collins (Korean War), Trace Adkins, Arnold “AW” Simpkins (WWII), Bryan Gerwitz (Iraqi Freedom), Bryan Anderson (Iraqi Freedom) and Ben Fouts (Vietnam War). Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry
The Grand Ole Opry honored the U.S. Military and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) at its special “Salute The Troops” show on Tuesday night (May 21).
Army Reserve Warrant Officer Craig Morgan performing with the 313th U.S. Army Band. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry
Opry members Trace Adkins, Lauren Alaina, John Conlee, Charlie McCoy and Craig Morgan, who serves as an Army Reserve Warrant Officer, as well as Lee Brice, HunterGirl, Austin Snell and Sal Gonzalez performed in honor and celebration of the U.S. Military and their families.
The Opry invited active duty and veteran service members from the U.S. Army Reserve and VFW to be the event’s honored guests. To start the evening, they participated in a red carpet parade, along with their spouses, children and parents, into the Opry House where they were greeted by the night’s performers. Lieutenant General Jody Daniels, Chief of the Army Reserve & Commanding General of the U.S. Army Reserve Command; retired Army Lieutenant General Keith Huber, Founder of Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)’s Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center & Senior Advisor; and Jr. Vice Commander-in-Chief with the VFW Carol Whitmore, led the parade.
Portions of this year’s “Salute The Troops” will air as a special “Opry Live” during Memorial Day weekend this Saturday (May 25) on the Opry’s Facebook and YouTube channels, with free streaming on the Circle Now app. The show will be accessible through Circle Country at 8 p.m. CT, and will air live on WSM Radio. It can also be heard on SiriusXM, Channel 59 Willie’s Roadhouse.
