Lee Greenwood Moves Millions To Tears During The 2001 World Series Following The 9/11 Terrorist Attacks

Fifty days after the devastating attacks on September 11, 2001, Lee Greenwood stepped onto the field at Yankee Stadium and gave a heart-wrenching tribute to America in honor of the lives lost. Wearing a bold patriotic jacket, Greenwood performed his best-known single, “God Bless The USA,” while millions of viewers watched with chills.

Lee Greenwood Wrote “God Bless The U.S.A.” On A Tour Bus In 1983

For many years, Greenwood dreamed of writing a song about his pride in being an American. At the time, he was on the road 300 days out of the year with his label mates George Strait, Reba McEntire, The Oak Ridge Boys, and Barbara Mandrell.

Finally, he “wrote it one night in between Arkansas and Texas” on the tour bus, Greenwood told Country Rebel.

At that point in his career, the California native was known for country love ballads, and he and his label took a chance to include the new patriotic anthem on his 1984 album You’ve Got A Good Love Comin’.

“It was never intended for a single. It was just something I really believed in, and I wanted to show the public my love for the country, and it was something I really wanted to do,” Greenwood said.

At the recommendation of his record label, the musician agreed to release “God Bless The U.S.A.” as a single. To his surprise, it reached number seven on the Billboard chart. Following its fast success, the tune was played during the 1984 Republican National Convention with Ronald & Nancy Reagan in attendance.

The hit single resurged in popularity seventeen years later when the attacks on 9/11 shook the nation. It once again ascended the Billboard Hot 100 chart, peaking at number 16.

As of 2024, Greenwood’s patriotic performance has been certified 2x platinum, signifying more than two million copies sold in the United States alone. “God Bless The U.S.A.” has become a patriotic anthem and is widely used at holiday celebrations, political gatherings, sporting events, and more.

Watch Lee Greenwood Perform “God Bless The USA.” To A Captivated Yankee Stadium

On October 31, 2001, Americans were still trying to make sense of the horrible attack on our homeland. Amid the grief, a sense of unity arose like the country had not seen in generations.

When Lee Greenwood sang “God Bless The U.S.A.” before Game 4 of the World Series between the D-backs and Yankees, just a few miles from Ground Zero, the audience was visibly moved to tears.

This performance is a must-watch. See it in the video below!