Director of Communications
amanda.murphy@tn.gov
615-741-9010
Senior Communications Manager
jill.kilgore@tn.gov
615-927-1320
Communications Manager
Alli.Lapps@tn.gov
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Grand Ole Opry salutes the veterans of Desert Storm with a red carpet parade and annual Salute the Troops Opry performance beginning 5:45 p.m. outside the Opry House Tuesday, May 23. The public is invited to be a part of veterans’ red carpet arrivals.
The evening’s Opry performance begins 7 p.m. with performances scheduled from Trace Adkins, Terri Clark, Dailey & Vincent, Charlie Daniels Band, Chris Young, and more, including the Opry return of the MusiCorps Wounded Warrior Band.
Throughout the evening, fans will learn of the heroic actions of Desert Storm veterans as well as the National Desert Storm War Memorial Association’s work to build the National Desert Storm Memorial in Washington D.C. More than half a million American servicemen and women served in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, making it the largest American war of the 20th Century without a memorial in Washington, D.C. currently. The memorial, although approved by Congress, will be built entirely through donations.
Among other artists coming soon to the Opry stage are Kelsea Ballerini, Crystal Gayle, Chris Janson, Charley Pride, Rascal Flatts, Ricky Skaggs, and Blake Shelton.
About the Grand Ole Opry
The Grand Ole Opry® is presented by Humana®. Opry performances are held every Friday and Saturday of the year, with Tuesday Night Opry shows running through December 12. To plan an Opry visit, call 800-SEE-OPRY or visit opry.com. The Opry presents the best in country music live every week from Nashville, Tenn. Celebrating nine decades of entertainment, the Opry can be heard at opry.com and wsmonline.com, Opry and WSM mobile apps, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and its flagship home, 650 AM-WSM. The Grand Ole Opry is owned by Ryman Hospitality Properties (NYSE: RHP). For more information, visit opry.com.
About Desert Storm
In 1991, America assembled and led a coalition of 34 countries who in turn liberated the country of Kuwait after a brutal and murderous 7-month long occupation. This victory was accomplished through a resolute and brave determination to do what President Bush 41 said was "Right, Just, and Moral". Operation Desert Storm was an important turning point in our country in regards to the way the military is looked at and treated. These positive effects continue to be felt to this day by all who serve.
About The National Desert Storm War Memorial
In May of 2014, Congress passed a bill authorizing a memorial to be built on or near the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Although the final plans must still be approved by the National Park Service, and the various governmental commissions in Washington, it is hoped that the memorial will be designed in the shape of a left hook – paying tribute to the bold and innovative strategic maneuver that shortened the war and saved so many American and Coalition lives.
About the National Desert Storm War Memorial Association
The National Desert Storm War Memorial Association is a non-profit association that is veteran-led and veteran-focused. The Association is committed to honoring all veterans of Operation Desert Storm: Those who deployed, those who supported the deployed and most importantly, those 383 Americans who gave the ultimate sacrifice. The NDSWM is dedicated to the sole mission of building this memorial so that future generations will forever remember this important part of history and those who served and died while serving. Visit the website to contribute, volunteer, or show support for the building of the memorial at: www.nationaldesertstormwarmemorial.org.
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Director of Communications
amanda.murphy@tn.gov
615-741-9010
Senior Communications Manager
jill.kilgore@tn.gov
615-927-1320
Communications Manager
Alli.Lapps@tn.gov