Trace Adkins’ ‘Empty Chair’ Honors Fallen Troops: ‘Their Sacrifice Will Never Be Forgotten’
By Movieguide® Contributor
Trace Adkins paid tribute to our nation’s fallen soldiers with a performance of “Empty Chair” at last year’s PBS annual Memorial Day Concert.
“Empty Chair” tells the story of a group of veterans who gather to honor those who died in service for our country. A portion of the lyrics reads:
Those guys were front-line brothers
Their lives depended on each other
They were soldiers long before they were men
Yeah, the ones that somehow survived
Came home, went on to build their lives
Never chargin’ us a penny
For the debt we owe to them
And 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
To the brother who ain’t there
We salute you
Speaking about the men and women his song pays tribute to, Adkins said, “Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
Watch Adkins’ performance of “Empty Chair” here.
Adkins is a longtime supporter of the veteran support organization Wounded Warrior Project.
“The mission of WWP is so important to me. I think we all should try to do something to help those who have sacrificed for this country so that we can live our lives free. It’s the least that we can do,” he explained. “WWP to me means you’re not going to be forgotten. Your sacrifice is not going to be forgotten.”
This year, PBS’ Memorial Day Concert featured performances from country singers Gary LeVox and Jamey Johnson, as well as Broadway star Cynthia Erivo. Movieguide® previously reported:
PBS has announced the line-up for its 35th annual National Memorial Day Concert.
The program will be recorded live from the U.S. Capitol and will include several veterans and performances from the nation’s top entertainers.
Per PEOPLE, “A dynamic roster of performers will be featured, including celebrated actress/vocalist Cynthia Erivo, Rascal Flatts lead singer Gary LeVox, country singer-songwriter and Marine Corps Reserve veteran Jamey Johnson, plus film and television stars Bryan Cranston, Jena Malone, BD Wong and Mary McCormack. Broadway performers Ruthie Ann Miles and Patina Miller will be featured too, alongside the National Symphony Orchestra.”
The show will be hosted by veteran advocates Gary Sinise and Joe Mantegna.
