Country singer Lee Greenwood said he expects to join President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C., for events tied to the nation's 250th anniversary in 2026, calling the milestone "the beginning of a year of celebration" meant to build unity.
Greenwood, whose signature anthem "God Bless the USA," has become a staple at patriotic and military events, told Newsmax's "Wake Up America" that he has been notified he will be part of the 2026 observances surrounding July 4.
"You got to remember in 1776 when we declared ourselves to be a nation, there was a year of celebration," Greenwood said. "So, 2026, July 4th is the beginning of a year of celebration."
Greenwood said he wrote "God Bless the USA" in 1983 and that it grew into an anthem over time, particularly through its association with the military.
"I wrote it in 1983," he said, noting it won honors in Nashville and later "became an anthem for the military first, I think, besides the genre of country music."
He said he has performed it for "10 presidents," including numerous times for Trump, and recalled its prominence after the Sept. 11 attacks, when he traveled to New York to sing for memorial-related events.
"9/11 was the really big time for us, where I came to New York three times," Greenwood said. "I sang at Yankee Stadium twice for the policemen who were killed in the towers. It's a very vivid memory."
Greenwood also pointed to ongoing performances for service members, including an upcoming appearance at NASCAR's Coca-Cola 600, which he described as "always a pleasure" because of the "military presence."
Beyond music, Greenwood said he and his team have long supported troops through visits and charitable efforts.
With today's all-volunteer force, he said, many Americans have less direct connection to those who serve, making outreach more important.
"When we go and visit the troops, there's so much contact with their families back home," he said. "We have great empathy for the fact that they're deployed."
He added that his efforts include building homes for wounded veterans.
"We actually build homes for wounded warriors," he said.
Greenwood added he hopes his music can encourage Americans to participate in national celebrations even amid political divisions, and he called for more cooperation in Washington.
"I just want the participation," he said. "The cooperation, I think, is more important than anything, so that we can solve problems quicker."
Greenwood also discussed his "God Bless the USA Bible," a project he said was inspired by attending naturalization ceremonies where his song is often played as new citizens take the oath of allegiance.
He said conversations with immigrants about America's history and faith traditions helped shape the idea.
The Bible includes the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Pledge of Allegiance, along with a handwritten version of the song's chorus, Greenwood said, adding that a new edition was recently printed due to strong demand.
GET TODAY NEWSMAX+:
NEWSMAX is the fastest-growing cable news channel in America with more than 30 million people watching!
Reuters Institute reports NEWSMAX is one of the top news brands in the U.S.
You need to watch NEWSMAX today.
Get it with great shows from Rob Schmitt, Greta Van Susteren, Greg Kelly, Carl Higbie, Rob Finnerty – and many more!
Find the NEWSMAX channel on your cable system – Go Here Now
BEST OFFER:
Sign up for NEWSMAX+ and get NEWSMAX, our streaming channel NEWSMAX2 and our military channel World at War.
Find hundreds of shows, movies and specials.
Even get Jon Voight's special series and President Trump's comedy programs and much more!
Watch NEWSMAX+ on your smartphone or home TV app.
Watch NEWSMAX anytime, anywhere!
Start your FREE trial now: NewsmaxPlus.com
© 2026 Newsmax. All rights reserved.