Country superstar Toby Keith typically honors veterans during his encores, but his patriotic encore at PNC Music Pavilion in Charlotte last week was particularly emotional.
During the encore of the show, he brought on stage Lt. Colonel Harry Frizzell, a 93-year-old veteran of World War II and the Korean War. He also served during the Vietnam war, Keith told the crowd. He then performed “The Star Spangled Banner” and “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American).” Then, the singer told the crowd to “Never apologize for being patriotic.”
Frizzell, who sat in a wheelchair with his family beside him, also got a chance to speak, notes Taste Of Country.
“In World War II I was in Manila in 1945 … I got recalled for Korea, and I flew armed helicopters in Vietnam,” Frizzell said. “Thirty-five years, and I’m so proud to be representing of the United States of America … God bless America.”
Keith was visibly moved at that moment and the big screen showed him wiping away a tear.
Check out the scene below:
image courtesy of Kristin Callahan/ACE/INFphoto.com