Toby Keith passed away in 2024, but his legacy- and his patriotism- lives on. The National Medal of Honor Museum chose to honor Keith, in an incredible visual tribute.
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"The National Medal of Honor Museum celebrated its grand opening with an incredible gala," Keith's family shares on social media. "There was a drone and firework show that featured all the living Presidents as well as our military's orchestras and choirs performing 'American Soldier' with an amazing vocal from Toby recorded a few years ago that gave everyone chills. It was a touching tribute to those who went above and beyond the call of duty."
" data-instgrm-version="14" style="background:#FFF;border:0;border-radius:3px;margin: 1px;max-width:540px;min-width:326px;padding:0;width:99.375%;width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px);width:calc(100% - 2px)">The grand opening of the National Medal of Honor Museum was a star-studded affair. Lee Greenwood also sang "Proud To Be An American," while former President George W. Bush served as the official ribbon cutter.
Toby Keith's Patriotism
Keith never served in the military. Still, he remained a devout supporter of those serving in the Armed Forces for his entire life. After he passed away, Keith's daughter Krystal recalled what her father said about being patriotic, while receiving an honorary degree on his behalf at the University of Oklahoma
"He always said, 'Never apologize for being patriotic,' and practiced what he preached through his work with the USO [United Service Organizations]." Krystal recalls, adding why her dad went on so many USO Tours, even to areas that were not safe.
"He was going into the most dangerous zones," she shares. "Where guys that never got those entertainers to come to them, were housed and were sitting. And he would go and boost their morale. And that's who he wanted to go see. We called him Captain America. And that's something he earned."
The 2003 hit remains one of Keith's most popular songs, 22 years later. The song was written by Keith and Chuck Cannon.
"It's written for all the times that I get to meet the troops on these USO tours," Keith says (via Songfacts). "Since 'Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue (The Angry American),' the P.O.W.s and the families and stuff that have come and brought me back my old CD covers and stuff that they had and shown how much support they had, and this is my support for the American fighting men and women."
