You never know where Lee Greenwood’s going to show up…but when he does there’s a good chance he’s going to be singing this song.
Following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Greenwood’s patriotic anthem “God Bless the USA” became a powerful anthem of unity and pride. After first being released in 1984, the song was re-released as a single following 9/11 and peaked at #16 on both the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and the all-genre Hot 100 chart.Y
Greenwood also performed the song prior to Game 4 of the 2001 World Series, which featured the New York Yankees and the Arizona Diamondbacks, a memorable series that also featured then-President George W. Bush throwing out the first pitch at Yankee Stadium prior to Game 3.
Well this past Friday, on the 25th anniversary of 9/11, Greenwood was once again at Yankee Stadium to perform his biggest hit during pregame of the Subway Series against the New York Mets.
@theleegreenwood To the NYPD, FDNY, and all the brave first responders of New York City, this one is for you. 🇺🇸❤️ #NeverForget #September11 #911Anniversary
It wouldn’t be his last performance of the weekend though.
On his way back to Nashville, a video posted to TikTok shows Greenwood taking the mic on the Southwest Airlines flight and giving an impromptu performance, while also pausing to give commentary on the state of our country:
“Cause the flag still stands for freedom, and they can’t take that away.
And who are they? They’re anybody who would like to take our freedoms away, and I stand with our president and anyone else who would defend our flag, who would defend our country.
Because I’m proud to be an American, where at least…”
Well, you know the rest.
@meghanelizabeth717 On today’s flight to Nashville… #LeeGreenwood #ProudToBeAnAmerican #Tribute
The moment received mixed reviews in the comments, with some praising the patriotic moment while some didn’t appreciate the gesture during the flight:
“Lee is a national treasure. God bless him”
“Imagine having to sit through through this on a plane”
“That is so freaking epic”
“I would be screaming to the top of my lungs, and not out of support.”
“For a month after 9/11, our school played this song over the speakers during each class change. I still tear up when I hear it.”
“The fact they let him do this is insane.”
“They need to restrain this unruly passenger.”
“What airline is this because I wanna fly it every day possible”
Honestly, I’m generally not a fan of the whole “give passengers the intercom” thing on planes. I know some people find it fun, and yeah it’s harmless, but when I fly I just want to put my headphones in and not be bothered until I get to my destination. Don’t make me sit through some kid doing airline karaoke so his mom can post it on social media. (Am I a grumpy old man? I might be a grumpy old man).
But this was obviously a special occasion, with the 25th anniversary of 9/11, and Lee Greenwood is a legend for his patriotic anthem, so this one would be a pretty cool thing to see in honor of all those who lost their lives.
