Lee Greenwood to Perform 'God Bless the USA' Prior to Sunday's Kickoff at FedEX Field

Academy of Country Music Award-winning artist Lee Greenwood will perform his iconic, patriotic song "God Bless the U.S.A." prior to kickoff Sunday, Nov. 15 at FedExField, presented by ACM Lifting Lives®.

The Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation (WRCF) and Redskins Salute will host 200 military surviving family members from TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) at the Redskins' game against the New Orleans Saints. The families will receive a red, white or blue star to represent their fallen hero during an on-field presentation as Greenwood sings live.

Voted the most recognizable patriotic song in America, Greenwood's self-penned "God Bless the U.S.A." has sold over 1 million copies and has been in the top five on the country singles charts three times (1991, 2001, 2003), giving it the distinction of being the only song in any genre of music to achieve that feat. It also reached No. 1 on the pop charts after Sept. 11, 2001.

"I am honored to be invited to sing my patriotic anthem, 'God Bless the U.S.A.' for the families of fallen heroes and veterans who will be on the field for the Redskins/Saints football game," Greenwood said. "We must always honor and remember those who have given their lives for our freedom, and seeing their families face-to-face on Sunday is sure to be an emotional moment for me, and for all Americans who are witnessing it. It will be an important and poignant moment to kick-off what's sure to be a great game."

Fans are encouraged to arrive early to FedExField for Greenwood's performance. Any questions regarding the Redskins Salute to Service campaign should be directed to Alexia Grevious of Redskins Public Relations at 703-726-7077or greviousa@redskins.com.

ABOUT THE REDSKINS: Headquartered at Redskins Park in Ashburn, Virginia, and owned by Daniel Snyder, the historic Washington Redskins Football Club has won five World Championship titles including the 1937 and 1942 National Football League Championship games, as well as Super Bowls XVII, XXII and XXVI. Founded in 1932 as the Boston Braves in Massachusetts, the team changed its name to the Redskins in 1933 and relocated to Washington, D.C., in 1937. Since then, the team has become one of the most recognizable professional sports franchises in history, featuring multiple Hall of Fame coaches, 19 members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame (with seven others who also were Redskins) and becoming the first team in the NFL with an official marching band and fight song, "Hail to the Redskins." The Redskins have been owned by Dan Snyder since 1999, and beginning in 1997, began playing their home games at FedExField in Landover, Md.

ABOUT ACM LIFITING LIVES: ACM Lifting Lives® is the philanthropic arm of the Academy of Country Music dedicated to improving lives through the power of music. Through partnerships with artists and strong ties in the music industry, ACM Lifting Lives develops and funds music-related therapy and education programs, and serves members of the community who face unexpected hardships through its Diane Holcomb Emergency Relief Fund. Through generous donations and the support of artists and fans, ACM Lifting Lives is able to fund everything from disaster relief and helping communities in need, to music education in schools and music camps for those with disabilities, to supporting programs that use music therapy as a means to help our veterans and wounded warriors, while providing grants to help them ease back into life. For more information, please visit www.ACMLiftingLives.org.

ABOUT LEE GREENWOOD: Throughout his expansive career, international country music star Lee Greenwood has earned multiple CMA and ACM Awards, a GRAMMY for Top Male Vocal Performance on "I.O.U," in 1985, and a multitude of other prestigious award nominations. His discography includes twenty-two studio albums, seven compilation albums, seven No. 1 hits, and thirty-eight singles including songs like "Ring On Her Finger," "Time On Her Hands," "Dixie Road," and "Somebody's Gonna Love You," among others. His stand-out hit "God Bless The USA," has been in the top five on the country singles charts three times (1991, 2001 and 2003), giving it the distinction of being the only song in any genre of music to achieve that feat. It was also No. 1 on the pop charts after 9/11. Known for his stand-out patriotism and support of the U.S. military, Greenwood has been honored with the Congressional Medal of Honor Society's National Patriot's Award, and entertained troops on more than 30 USO Tours. He is the National Ambassador for HelpingaHero.org, a non-profit, non-partisan organization providing support for military personnel, severely injured in the war on terror. For more information on Lee Greenwood, please visit www.leegreenwood.com.

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