🇺🇸 Lee Greenwood walked out on July 4th… and brought all of America to tears! 😢 His emotional performance of “God Bless The USA” left the entire stadium speechless.

Just 50 days after the September 11 attacks, country star Lee Greenwood stood on the grass at Yankee Stadium—mere miles from Ground Zero—and delivered a performance that still resonates today. On October 31, 2001, Game 4 of the World Series between the New York Yankees and the Arizona Diamondbacks paused as Greenwood took the microphone and sang his enduring patriotic anthem God Bless the USA to tens of thousands in the stands and millions more watching on television.

At a moment when the nation was still grappling with grief and uncertainty, Greenwood’s clear, unwavering voice offered a sense of comfort and solidarity. Draped in a jacket patterned after the American flag, he reminded everyone present—and those tuning in from home—that even in our darkest hours, unity and pride can light the way.

The Inspiration for God Bless the USA

Lee Greenwood first penned God Bless the USA in 1983, during a lengthy tour through the South. Between concerts in Arkansas and Texas, he retreated to his tour bus and worked out the lyrics that would go on to become one of America’s most beloved patriotic songs.

Surrounded by fellow country icons like George Strait, Reba McEntire, The Oak Ridge Boys, and Barbara Mandrell, Greenwood was best known at the time for tender, romantic ballads. But his deep affection for his homeland stirred something in him. In later interviews, he emphasized, “I didn’t write it to chase a chart position—it was simply what I felt in my heart.”

The song appeared on his 1984 album You’ve Got a Good Love Comin’. Initially intended only as an album track, it was ultimately released as a single at the label’s suggestion—and soared to No. 7 on Billboard’s country chart. Its first major cultural moment came later that same year when it was performed at the Republican National Convention in the presence of President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan.

When Patriotism Returned

Nearly two decades after its debut, the tragic events of September 11, 2001, breathed new life into Greenwood’s anthem. As Americans sought solidarity, God Bless the USA re-entered the public consciousness and climbed to No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100.

By 2024, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) had certified the song Double Platinum, a testament to more than two million domestic sales. Today, it stands among the most iconic patriotic anthems—regularly heard at political rallies, sporting events, Fourth of July festivities, and military ceremonies across the country.

A Moment of Collective Healing

Greenwood’s World Series performance transcended music—it became a profound act of collective healing. With memories of the Twin Towers still fresh and painful, the crowd fell into a hushed reverence, many moved to tears, as his voice carried hope and resilience over the diamond.

That night at Yankee Stadium wasn’t merely a concert stop; it was a milestone of American unity—proof that even in times of sorrow, our shared spirit can bring us together.

Watch the Historic Performance

Relive this unforgettable chapter in American history with the video below.