Toby Keith has always been well known for his strong American patriotism, as well as his vocal support for American troops overseas. This was instilled in him from an early age, sharing with fans, “My father was a soldier. He taught his kids to respect veterans.” This attitude prevailed throughout his career, as he played eleven times for the US military overseas and wrote a number of songs in support of the military.
In September 2012, the pain experienced by the loved ones of military members came close to home for fans when Keith invited a military wife up on stage to sing ‘American Soldier’ with him. The lady held back her tears on stage as she sang with Keith in tribute to her husband, who was stationed in Afghanistan. Then, in a twist no one expected, out walked her husband – Major Pete Cruz – who was no longer in Afghanistan but standing right on stage with her.
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Send The couple embraced tearfully, full of emotion at being reunited after so long as they shared a kiss on stage. They were then invited to stay on stage for another song, standing with their arms around each other as Keith launched into his next number – the controversial ‘Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American).’ He invited Major Pete to join in, bringing him to the mic so he could sing the lyrics, “We’ll put a boot in your ass; it’s the American way.”
This wasn’t the first time Toby Keith brought someone on stage to represent the US military at one of his concerts. In Virginia Beach, 2011, Keith invited an injured marine, Corporal Matthew Bradford, to join him in singing ‘American Soldier’. The crowd chanted “USA!” as Matthew limped onstage to join the singer. Moved viewers took to the comments, including one who had seen Keith at a military concert overseas, sharing, “He helped us forget our reality even if it was just for a little while.”
While Toby Keith’s songs are notorious for being grand-scale stories of patriotism, his invitations towards veterans, serving military members, and their loved ones showcased the human beings his songs are inspired by and the experiences they face. With living examples of love, hope, and survival held up for all to see, it is no wonder that so many audience members and online viewers alike were moved by the events that took place at Toby Keith’s concerts.
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