Celebrities light up D.C. during Concert for Valor
As the sun set over the Nation’s Capital, a few hundred thousand people filled the National Mall to watch the Concert for Valor hosted by HBO, Chase and Starbucks.
The first-of-its-kind Veterans Day concert honored the courage and sacrifice of American veterans and their families.
Richard Plepler, HBO CEO and chairman said, “We are honored to play a small role to help raise awareness and support for our service men and women. Their immeasurable sacrifice deserves our nation’s gratitude. This event will not only celebrate their service, but help remind Americans of the many challenges they face on and off the battlefield.”
Zac Brown, lead singer of the Zac Brown Band, said it was an honor and privilege to perform for the troops and veterans in attendance. The band admires the sacrifice and commitment countless men and women in uniform make every day while in uniform.
“We keep that in the front of our minds,” he said. “No matter what they are told, they do their best to protect us. This is a big honor for us to get to do this for them.”
Several headliners performed including Jennifer Hudson, Dave Grohl, Eminem, Metallica, Jessie J, Bruce Springsteen,and other musical acts. The concert also featured on-stage appearances by A-list hosts Jamie Foxx, Jack Black, Bryan Cranston, George Lopez, John Oliver and Bob Woodruff.
Between musical acts, large screens played inspiring portraits and vignettes profiling veterans whose stories were told in the book “For Love of Country,” by Howard Schultz and Rajiv Chandrasekaran.
“The post-9/11 years have brought us the longest period of sustained warfare in our nation’s history,” said Howard Schultz, Starbucks chairman, president and CEO. “The less than one percent of Americans who volunteered to serve during this time have afforded the rest of us remarkable freedoms – but that freedom comes with a responsibility to understand their sacrifice, to honor them and to appreciate the skills and experience they offer when they return home.
"As many now seek reemployment, now is the time to offer them opportunities to work in our communities to do what they do best: solve problems and lead with selfless service. The Concert for Valor represents a significant and historic opportunity to demonstrate our country’s potential to come together as a nation, and do right by those who have done so much for us. They’ve stepped up. Now it’s our turn.”
The concert also featured a performance by the Air Force’s Sergeants Choir and active duty military members were given the opportunity to enjoy Metallica’s musical set on stage while they performed.
Air Force Tech. Sgt. Lonnie Lachine, stationed at Andrew’s Air Force Base, said he enjoyed the concert, but the best part of the night was being on stage with Metallica.
“I have had many great Veterans Day experiences, but this was the best day of my life,” Lachine said. “It’s been 10 minutes and my hands are still shaking. I will tell my grandkids about this Veterans Day one day. I’m glad I had this amazing once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”