Trace Adkins Honors The United States Military Through Song
Each year, PBS broadcasts the National Memorial Day Concert. The concert is held on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. It serves as a tribute to the service members who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
Country music star Trace Adkins is a frequent performer at the National Memorial Day Concert. He’s always been a steadfast supporter of American troops, and his music proves it. Adkins is known for honoring the military in songs such as “Arlington,” “Til the Last Shot’s Fired,” and “Still a Soldier.”
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As just one example, Adkins performed the latter song during his appearance on the National Memorial Day Concert in 2020.
The Background Behind Trace Adkins’ Emotional Tribute Song Honoring Fallen Service Members
Adkins also performed during the National Memorial Day concert in 2023. He sang “Empty Chair,” which was a track on his 2021 album The Way I Wanna Go.
“Empty Chair” was co-written by Lance Miller, David Frasier, and Lonnie Fowler. It tells the story of a group of veterans who often gather at their local diner. As they interact with members of the community, you can’t help but think about all the things they’ve seen and experienced.
As Adkins sings:
“But you can almost smell the gun smoke, and the foxholes that they shared, on the days they raise their coffees, and toast the empty chair.”
Adkins spoke about the meaning behind “The Empty Chair” in a clip he filmed for the 2023 National Memorial Day concert. He said:
“These people have sacrificed so much, especially the families of veterans who aren’t with us anymore. They paid the ultimate price.”
Trace Adkins Brings Emotion To Memorial Day Performance Of “Empty Chair”
Adkins delivered a powerful performance of “Empty Chair” during the 2023 National Memorial Day Concert. People in the audience, many of them veterans, watched intently as Adkins shared his touching tribute to their fallen brothers and sisters.
It was a performance that surely moved many to tears when they witnessed it. You can watch it in the video below.
Hats off to Adkins for this incredible tribute to our lost heroes…