Courtesy Photo | Singer John Michael Montgomery, left, signs an autograph for a sailor at the...... read more read more
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Country music star John Michael Montgomery helped celebrate the Army's 229th birthday by singing four of his hits at the Pentagon today.
Wearing camouflage fatigues, the Grammy-award winning singer blended in with the crowd when he arrived at the Pentagon courtyard concert site -- except for his tall, black cowboy hat, that is. Montgomery took time to shake hands, sign autographs and pose for pictures before going on stage.
Army Brig. Gen. James Kelley, chief of staff, U.S. Army Reserve Command, introduced the singer, noting that Montgomery has had 15 No. 1 country songs during a decade of hits and has sold more than 15 million records.
"His realistic lyrics capture the hardships and the determination and 'muddy boots' of our armed forces and their proud families," the general said. Montgomery's current hit, "Letters from Home," he added, is a tribute the nation's service members.
Montgomery described having a song about the military during a time of war has been a humbling and wonderful experience. He said he's met some "great American heroes in the military across the seas and families back here."
"This song," he said, "just really hit home for me, and as a matter of fact, that's what it's all about."
"Letters from Home" tells the story of a deployed soldier who shares parts of his family's letters from home with his comrades in arms. The final chorus sums up the troops' feelings in the letter the soldier's dad sends, saying, "Son, you make me proud."
"I hold it up and show my buddies, like we ain't scared and our boots ain't muddy," the lyrics go, "and no one laughs cuz there ain't nothin' funny when a soldier cries, and I just wipe my eyes. I fold it up, put it in my shirt, pick up my gun and get back to work. And it keeps me drivin' on. Waitin' on letters from home."
Story by Linda D. Kozaryn, American Forces Press Service
| Date Taken: | 06.16.2004 |
| Date Posted: | 07.04.2025 03:01 |
| Story ID: | 534585 |
| Location: | WASHINGTON, US |
| Web Views: | 1 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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