This Veteran’s day was one to be remembered, not for the events that took place on the National Mall, but for the exquisite efforts taken by those with celebrity star power to make sure our service men and women are honored. For those who are unaware of the events that proceeded last week, military veterans, active duty service members, college students, children, families, and everyone near and far swarmed the National Mall for the free, first of its kind, Concert for Valor. Staged by HBO, Starbucks, and Chase, music fans were ecstatic when the hand full of stars made an appearance: Rihanna, Metallica, Bruce Springsteen, Dave Grohl, The Black Keys, Jessie J, and Jennifer Hudson were just a few among the many celebrities that took center stage. Although the concert was amazing in itself, the meaning behind the event, and the words and short films shown throughout the three hour celebration demonstrated its true meaning; to raise awareness of issues affecting veterans today.
Estimated as one of the biggest events of the year on the National Mall, the Concert for Valor honored fallen, returned, and active military members through a night of celebration. Although the concert itself was free, fans were directed to multiple websites and funds, in an effort to encourage donations no matter how small or large to causes helping these veterans.
The importance of this event lies in the pure celebration of those who have given their lives to protect and defend our country, and those who have sacrificed so much for our own freedom. While the diverse crowd was scattered with individuals ranging in age, and ranging in uniform, everyone stood united as one in chanting “U-S-A, U-S-A” at every opportunity. One disabled Vietnam veteran, as quoted in NBC Washington stated, “This is the first time since I’ve been back that I’ve felt honored to be back home, and I’m 65 years old. They treated us like criminals when we came back home. They didn’t give us a parade.” And this is exactly what the creators of this event wanted to do; give these heroes the celebration they deserve.
As for the concert itself, it is estimated that over 800,000 spectators gathered to hear Rihanna’s “Diamonds in the Sky,” Metallica’s long, head-banging set with service members rocking out on stage beside them, and Springsteen’s collaboration with the Zac Brown Band and Dave Grohl covering “Fortunate Son.” Between each performance, specific veterans with incredible stories were honored in video shorts, followed by introductions and standing ovations directed by hosts such as Oprah, Jack Black, Steven Spielberg, Reese Witherspoon, and George Lopez.
After seeing the true impact and positive reaction the event had, HBO chief executive said that it is quite possible that this concert could come back next year, and in turn, become an annual tradition on the National Mall. While the size and great magnitude of this event was incredible, it is most important to remember that the goal of this event and the others that may follow are to help Americans realize the importance of welcoming veterans back into civilian life, while aiding them in any way possible to ease the difficult transition. One of the many issues in this transition is the difficulty and struggles these returning veterans have of finding work; the jobless rate for veterans post-9/11 is 7.6%. The celebrities speaking on stage, and advocates for these individuals emphasized the importance of driving all of our focus on doing whatever we can to support the 2.6 million veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Veteran’s day isn’t about the weekend sales, or the day off from school. It is a chance to honor those that have served, while taking the time out of our days to do our part in supporting those that have given everything to protect us.
If you or someone you know wants to help the cause, and can help the cause, you can donate through The Concert For Valor’s website. Or, you can directly support these individuals through their affiliates at the Fisher House Foundation, Easter Seals Dixon Center, or the Bob Woodruff Foundation.