Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media Inc.
The artist is scheduled to perform at the Proud to Honor Veterans Day Classic race in November.
As the Fourth of July nears, Zac Brown is looking to bring attention back to service members and veterans.
On Wednesday, June 17, the 47-year-old singer and members of Zac Brown Band appeared alongside Ford, NASCAR, and Blue Star Families at an event held aboard the historic USS Midway Museum in San Diego. The gathering honored military families ahead of the upcoming NASCAR San Diego Weekend, which begins June 19.
Brown shared that the group previously headlined Ford’s Proud to Honor event the year before and expressed excitement about returning. He noted that the USS Midway carries deep historical significance and said the occasion was an opportunity to recognize military families while announcing the Proud to Honor Veterans Day Classic.
The race is scheduled for Veterans Day 2026 and will honor all six branches of the U.S. military. The Zac Brown Band and other performers are also expected to appear at the event.
Brown described the upcoming race as a meaningful celebration and said he is grateful to work with Ford in supporting those who serve, emphasizing the sacrifices made by military personnel that allow others to live freely.
He also reflected on how his appreciation for the military began during his college years, when he had friends who served and later lived with a Marine while in Georgia. Around that time, he wrote the final verse of his 2008 hit “Chicken Fried,” which pays tribute to fallen service members and those who serve.
Brown said that once the song was released, honoring the military became a lasting part of his personal mission. During performances, he often invites a veteran or active-duty service member on stage during the song as a sign of respect.
He also recalled participating in his first USO tour in 2008, where he gained a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by deployed troops. Over time, he has continued to hear from service members who connected with his performances during their deployments.
In 2011, Brown founded Camp Southern Ground in Georgia, a facility dedicated to supporting both young people and veterans.
He said the most meaningful part of the work is hearing how the programs have impacted participants’ lives and seeing some of them later return to work with the organization. He added that he views the experience as deeply purposeful and feels grateful to help bring people together through it.