Kid Rock delivers Memorial Day message honoring fallen service members

Kid Rock kicked off Memorial Day with a special message honoring those who gave their lives fighting for America.

“On this Memorial Day, we remember the sacrifice and service of so many who are not with us today. This is a special day and we are thinking of them,” the rockstar said. “Again, I wanted to thank you. God bless you all for your sacrifice, for your service. Keep Kid Rockin’ in the free world.”

Rock, whose full name is Robert Ritchie, has long been synonymous with Americana and patriotism, something he hasn’t been shy about. A staunch supporter of the United States military, Rock participated in several tours with the United Service Organizations (USO), entertaining troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

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Musician Kid Rock performs on stage during the Republican National Convention at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on July 18, 2024. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

The “Bawitdaba” singer recently told Fox News’ Will Cain that his patriotism took a new form after meeting sailors who survived an al-Qaeda attack on the USS Cole.

“It really started with the bombing of the USS Cole,” Rock said. “They were playing my music when that ship was towed out of port and 17 sailors lost their lives. So we ended up playing a show in Virginia and giving all this money to these families.”

He told Cain that honoring American troops was “truly one of the hardest jobs I’ve ever done, but hands down the most rewarding and something I couldn’t be more proud of.”

Rock has also been a strong supporter of President Donald Trump and has appeared with the president on several occasions. He performed at the 2024 Republican National Convention just days after Trump was shot at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Patriotism is a key theme of his current tour, “Freedom 250,” which takes him through several states as he performs with guests Jon Pardi, Big & Rich, Parker McCollum, Brantley Gilbert and Them Dirty Roses.

The “All Summer Long” singer found himself at the center of controversy in March following a video of two Apache AH-64 helicopters flying over his Tennessee home, which he calls the “White House of the South.” The video posted on social networks led to an investigation by the army and the suspension of the crew who carried out the flight. However, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth later lifted the suspension and ended the investigation.

“Thank you @KidRock. Suspension of @USArmy pilots LIFTED. No punishment. No investigation. Carry on, patriots.

The U.S. military on Saturday suspended the flight crew involved in a military helicopter stunt at Kid Rock’s Nashville home. (Getty Images)

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A month after the unscheduled flyover of Tennessee, the singer joined Hegseth in Washington DC for a private flight in a military helicopter. Pentagon chief spokesperson Sean Parnell provided more details about the meeting in a statement shared with Fox News Digital.

“As part of this event, Robert ‘Kid Rock’ Ritchie participated in multiple contacts with military personnel and filmed videos for Memorial Day, America’s 250th birthday, and for his Freedom 250 tour,” Parnell said.

“Today’s visit was an opportunity for Kid Rock to thank the military, highlight the professionalism of the men and women who support the mission, and recognize their continued sacrifice in honor of our nation,” he added.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and musician Kid Rock pose for a photo with troops in front of a helicopter. (@SecWar on X)

KID ROCK AND HEGSETH TAKE AN APACHE HELICOPTER RIDE NEAR WASHINGTON

In an article on X with photos of the experience, Hegseth called Rock “a patriot and great supporter of our troops.”

“The War Department is wasting no time in celebrating the 250th anniversary of America, the land of the free because of the brave,” the secretary of state wrote.

Hegseth’s post celebrating the experience drew backlash, with some critics describing it as taxpayer-funded rides and others pointing out the cost of flying Apache helicopters.

When speaking with Cain, Rock said the criticism was “just noise” and that he didn’t feel the need to “prove himself” to critics.

Musician Kid Rock performs on the fourth day of the Republican National Convention at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on July 18, 2024. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

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“I’ve been there for our military and stood up, you know, spending two Christmases and a Thanksgiving there years ago, all the war torn countries, I could name countries for days. It’s all on the Internet. It’s all there. But yeah, people don’t have a leg to stand on,” the singer said.

As Americans across the country celebrate Memorial Day, Rock’s message echoes the theme of the day and why the country is taking a moment to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Madison Colombo and Tracy Wright of Fox News Digital contributed to this report.