NASHVILLE, TN. (Scripps Networks) - Few things are as patriotic as Memorial Day and country music. That's the reason television network Great American Country (GAC) is hosting Great American Dedications: A Memorial Day Salute throughout the holiday weekend hosted by country music recording artists Charlie Daniels, Lonestar, Josh Gracin, Darryl Worley,
Aaron Tippin,
Craig Morgan and Chely Wright.
The three-day marathon throughout Memorial Day weekend kicks off Friday evening at 8 p.m. Eastern with a special edition of GAC's video request show "CRL," followed Saturday, Sunday and Monday with video dedications from U.S. soldiers overseas to their friends and families back in the United States and vice versa.
"We are proud to be able to bring these messages and dedications from our brave soldiers to their loved ones back home," said Sarah Trahern, vice president of programming for GAC. "And we appreciate these artists who are giving their time to be a part of these dedications. Many of them have been entertaining the troops for years."
All of the artists hosting the tribute have some connection with the U.S. military. For example, Charlie Daniels frequently gives his time to entertain the U.S. Armed Forces. For more than 20 years he has brought his country and southern rock sounds to war zones around the world.
Also, Darryl Worley, Aaron Tippin and Chely Wright have also traveled around the world to entertain American troops, while both Morgan and Gracin are military veterans. Morgan served in the Army for 10 years, and Gracin served as a Marine and gained fame with his appearance on the second season of "American Idol." (EDITOR'S NOTE: Interview opportunities are available with the participating artists, subject to availability).
"All of my trips to visit the troops are very moving for me, but the 10 days in Iraq in September 2004 was filled with the highest of highs and, sadly, the lowest of lows," Wright said. "It was life changing. We don't simply take our show to them. We live with them. We see the regions in which they are stationed and the incredible differences in cultures, and we see the discipline and commitment that they possess."
The lineup of special programming surrounding the dedications includes:
Friday, May 27
8 pm ET: Special CRL, hosted by Suzanne Alexander from Fort Campbell
Saturday, May 28
12 - 2 pm ET: Lonestar
2 - 4 pm ET: Craig Morgan
4 - 5 pm ET: Chely Wright
7 - 8 pm ET: Darryl Worley
9 - 10 pm ET: Chely Wright
10 - 11 pm ET: Daryl Worley
12 - 1 am ET: Chely Wright
Sunday, May 30
9 - 11 am ET: Charlie Daniels
11 am - 1 pm ET: Josh Gracin
3 - 5 pm ET: Aaron Tippin
5 - 7 pm ET: Darryl Worley
Monday, May 31
9 - 11 am ET: Charlie Daniels
11 am - 1 pm ET: Craig Morgan
1 - 3 pm ET: Aaron Tippin
3 - 5 pm ET: Josh Gracin
5 - 7 pm ET: Chely Wright
7 - 9 pm ET: Lonestar
9 - 11 pm ET: Darryl Worley
