Jerrod Niemann to Perform in Washington, D.C. On Memorial Day
Inspired by the spirit of Memorial Day, Niemann plans to play "Old Glory" to recognize the sacrifices that these brave men and women make for the country.
Jerrod Niemann has traveled overseas to perform for U.S. troops throughout his career, and this Memorial Day he’ll head to Washington, D.C., to take part in a parade to honor our nation’s military. The “I Got This” singer will perform as part of the 14th annual National Memorial Day Parade on May 28 along Constitution Avenue in D.C.
“[It’s] a huge honor because I’m such a supporter and a big fan of our military,” Niemann tells Sounds Like Nashville ahead of his performance at Regusci Winery in California during Live In the Vineyard Goes Country. “I actually just wrote a song called ‘Old Glory.’ I wanted to write a song from the perspective of a soldier.”
Niemann says he penned the song before one of his many trips overseas to perform for U.S. military. He had the melody in his head for a long time and while sitting on the couch at home in Nashville and trying to write a song, he learned that U.S. troops were ambushed in Niger.
“It just started pouring out,” he recalls. “It was the first song I’ve ever written that I felt some pretty intense emotion just from being over there and hearing the stories. I’m glad that I got to be the one to write that.”
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The song itself touches upon the major life events a soldier often misses when he’s overseas fighting for our country. It’s the first steps, birthdays, football games, dance recitals and holidays that we often take for granted and forget that they sacrifice, Niemann says.
“We’re aware that they’re willing to die for us but it’s those things that we overlook. It’s the kind of song to remind fellow civilians what some of the sacrifices are,” he adds.
Niemann sang the song once overseas, hoping for a blessing from the soldiers who heard it. He did get their blessing, as the troops stood up and cheered after he was done with his performance. An “unbelievable moment” for Niemann, the singer says playing “Old Glory” for our military is something he’ll never forget.
Niemann is set to perform at the largest Memorial Day Parade in the country on Monday along with Trace Adkins.
