Country songs for Memorial Day are absolutely one of the best gifts the genre has given to its listeners, especially those who have lost a loved one in war. It’s also a great way to honor those men and women in uniform who gave their lives to uphold the liberty and security of the United States.
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So, to celebrate the impact of our soldier’s dedication on this very special holiday, we’ve created a playlist of country songs that honor our heroes and the sacrifices they make. Here are a few Memorial Day songs you can stream right now.
1. “God Bless the U.S.A.” by Lee Greenwood
Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA” is undoubtedly among the most cherished ballads of all time. For Americans across the country, the patriotic track still manages to give them chills whenever they listen to it and often brings tears to their eyes.
2. “Soldier’s Last Letter” by Merle Haggard
The country’s outlaw king has sung several patriotic songs through the years, but “Soldier’s Last Letter” is absolutely among the most touching. Though he had never served in the military, Merle Haggard never missed the opportunity to show his great admiration for our troops.
3. “Only In America” by Brooks & Dunn
Only a few songs could fill Americans with as much patriotic pride as Brooks & Dunn’s “Only in America.” Through a rock-solid riff, stunning lyrics, and catchy melody, this chart-topping patriotic has become a favorite not only by country radio stations everywhere but also by political leaders. It’s been among the most played songs in American culture ever since it was released in 2001.
4. “50,000 Names Carved in The Wall” by George Jones
Country legend George Jones paid tribute to the fallen American soldiers with a song about the Vietnam Veterans Memorial – a wall spanning two acres in Washington, D.C. composed of names of the fallen heroes engraved onto it.
5. “More Than a Name on a Wall” by The Statler Brothers
In 1989, The Statler Brothers released such an emotional patriotic song in the history of country music – telling the tale of a soldier who died during the war and the heartbroken mother paying a visit at her son’s memorial. It’s definitely one of the best songs to honor fallen soldiers.
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6. “Travelin’ Soldier” by Dixie Chicks
Dubbed as one of the most depressing country songs ever written, the country trio honored the courageous men of the United States military with a heartbreaking song. It will take you on the course of a soldier who fell in love with a girl he met shortly before he was deployed to fight in the Vietnam War.
7. “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue” by Toby Keith
One of the most powerful songs released during the September 11, 2001 attacks was Toby Keith’s “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue,” which was also inspired by the death of the country singer’s father six months prior. The patriarch had a strong sense of patriotism and love for his country.
8. “Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning)” by Alan Jackson
Alan Jackson wrote the emotionally charged ballad briefly after tragedy struck on September 11, 2001, with lyrics focusing on his reaction to the attacks in the form of questions.
9. “America Will Always Stand” by Randy Travis
Randy Travis tugged at our heartstrings with such a heart-wrenching song. Through the years, it’s amazing how the country has indeed proven that it’s “still the home of the brave.”
10. “This Land is Your Land” by Woody Guthrie
This timeless folk song was written by Woody Guthrie over seven decades ago and has been an enduring part of musical history. So it was no longer a surprise when the song is now being brought back to the foreground by various new artists.
11. “American Soldier” by Toby Keith
In 2003, country music singer and proud military supporter Toby Keith released “American Soldier,” one of the best Veterans Day songs to date – which he wrote for all the times he gets to meet the troops during his USO tours.
12. “Some Gave All” by Billy Ray Cyrus
Billy Ray Cyrus wrote “Some Gave All” himself – which he did after visiting a Vietnam veteran – to pay tribute to those that give the ultimate sacrifice. He re-recorded the powerful track for his 2011 patriotic album I’m American.
13. “Arlington” by Trace Adkins
Trace Adkins has perfectly captured the heartbreaking reality of how war can never be described with justice in this poignant ballad, “Arlington”.
14. “Born in the U.S.A.” by Bruce Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen did his best in showing that even though America isn’t a perfect creation, it’s still moving, and some people are striving to lead it on a proper path.
15. “If You’re Reading This” by Tim McGraw
This tear-jerking ballad “If You’re Reading This,” from Tim McGraw tells the tale of a soldier who sadly failed to make it home from the battlefield, and the song’s lyrics served as a letter he wrote to those he left behind.
Other Patriotic Country Songs For Memorial Day“
- “God Bless America Again” by Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty
- “The Ones Who Didn’t Make it Back Home” by Justin Moore
- “Galveston” by Glen Campbell
- “Dear Uncle Sam” by Loretta Lynn
- “Angel Flight” by Radney Foster
- “Color Me America” by Dolly Parton
- “American Flag on the Moon” by Brad Paisley
- “An American Heart” by Faith Hill
- “Something to Be Proud Of” by Montgomery Gentry
- “Homeland” by Kenny Rogers
How about you? What are your favorite country songs for Memorial Day?
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