Lee Greenwood Gives Passengers a Powerful Message About Why He’s “Proud to Be an American”
Lee Greenwood delivered an unexpected patriotic moment during a flight from New York City over the weekend.
Just one day after performing “God Bless the U.S.A.” at Yankee Stadium to honor the victims and first responders of 9/11, the country star took to the airplane’s PA system and shared a message about freedom, America and the people who defend it.
The moment happened aboard a Southwest flight on September 12. A passenger recorded Greenwood speaking to those on board and later shared the video online.
Lee Greenwood Takes Over the Plane’s PA System
Greenwood began his message with a joke.
“If what I’m about to do offends anybody, well, you’re welcome to step out on the wing,” he said.
The comment drew laughter from several passengers.
He then explained why “God Bless the U.S.A.” continues to mean so much to him.
Greenwood wrote the song in 1983 and recorded it in 1984. Although it was written long before 9/11, the song took on a new meaning after the attacks and became closely associated with America’s response to the tragedy.
“God Bless the U.S.A.” Becomes the Center of His Message
Greenwood told passengers that the song is about America and the freedoms enjoyed by people living in the country.
He also recognized members of the military who were aboard the flight before beginning to sing part of the song.
The country star then performed the chorus of “God Bless the U.S.A.” for the passengers.
The cabin responded with applause after his performance.
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Greenwood Had Just Honored 9/11 Victims in New York
The timing of the flight message was especially significant.
Only one day earlier, Greenwood had returned to Yankee Stadium for the 25th anniversary of September 11.
He performed “God Bless the U.S.A.” in honor of the victims, NYPD, FDNY and other first responders. Greenwood had previously performed the song at the old Yankee Stadium during the 2001 World Series, just weeks after the attacks.
Greenwood has often spoken about the emotional connection he has with that period.
He was in Los Angeles on September 11, 2001, while his wife and children were in Nashville. He later traveled to New York to perform at memorial events and help lift the spirits of people who were grieving.
The Story Behind “God Bless the U.S.A.”
Interestingly, the song was not originally written as a response to 9/11.
Greenwood wrote it in 1983 after the Soviet Union shot down Korean Air Lines Flight 007, killing all 269 people aboard.
He wanted to write a song expressing pride in America and the freedoms people often take for granted.
After 9/11, however, the song found an entirely new audience.
It became a symbol of national unity and remembrance during a difficult period for the United States.
Greenwood has continued performing it for decades, particularly at military and patriotic events.
A Message That Started With a Song
For the passengers on that Southwest flight, the unexpected performance became another memorable chapter in the long history of “God Bless the U.S.A.”
Greenwood’s message was simple: he believes the freedoms Americans enjoy are worth remembering and defending.
And after spending September 11 in New York honoring those who lost their lives 25 years ago, the song appeared to carry an even deeper meaning for him.
