Top 12 Country Songs for Memorial Day

Memorial Day is the marker that summer is arriving around the country and many enjoy the day off, but never forget what this holiday truly stands for and what it means. This is a time to honor the men and women of the United States armed forces who have made and continue to make the ultimate sacrifice to secure our freedoms.

On a weekend marked with hot dogs, baseball, the beach or pool and hopefully warmer weather, taking some time to be respectful and honor those gone too soon is important.

Here we give you a list of the Top 12 Country songs that send the message right straight to your heart.

1. "God Bless the U.S.A." Lee Greenwood, 1984

This is probably the most known and widely used patriotic song.  Written by Greenwood after he won the 1983 CMA Male Vocalist of the Year, he went on to win CMA Song of the Year for this timeless, pride-inducing message.

2. "Have You Forgotten?" Darryl Worley, 2003

After a devastating attack on our home soil on September 11, 2001, Darryl Worley and Wynn Varble wrote this song as a reminder of the cost of freedom. In a world that moves fast and we are free to do as we please, we express ourselves, we travel, we sort through our own news, we are free. Have you forgotten?

3. "Something to Be Proud Of" Montgomery Gentry, 2005

The song relays a story of a father telling his child how hard work, sacrifice and loyalty add up to a life you can be proud of. Within it, listeners are reminded of the cost of war.

4. "The Ones Who Didn't Make It Back Home" Justin Moore, 2019

This is a tear-jerker and a full reminder of those who literally give everything to this country in a service that they have been called within their hearts. They serve because they love this country. This is a reminder of the sacrifice they make.

"There was a knock on the door 'round two o'clock, two uniforms, and her heart stopped, yellow ribbon 'round an oak tree, blowin' in the breeze."

5. "I Just Came Back From War" Darryl Worley, 2006

"If I'm not exactly the same good ole boy that you ran around with before, I just came back from a war."

In an emotional way, Worley advocates for war veterans and reminds us that our soldiers are in places where they are hated and giving their lives for people who don't even care anymore.

6. "Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue" Toby Keith, 2002

A sense of patriotism overcame all of us after the events of 2001.  Keith was inspired and wrote this song.

7. "I Drive Your Truck" Lee Brice, 2012

This song is a view into those who are left behind to deal with the grief, the memories, and the possessions of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Get ready to be moved to tears.

8. "50,000 Names Carved in the Wall" George Jones, 2001

Given that Jones served in the U.S. Marines in the 1950s this song has special meaning to so many. This is a tune about the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and you will have a perfect vision of standing right there looking at it when you listen.

9. "Arlington" Trace Adkins, 2005

This is the story of Arlington National Cemetery, which is now home to nearly 400,000 veterans and their families. It is a stark reminder of the ultimate cost of freedom.

10. "Angel Flight" Radney Foster, 2013

"We do what we do because we heard the call.  Some give a little, but he gave all."

Somewhere between heaven and earth, the angel flight brings too many of our soldiers home.

11. "Some Gave All" Billy Ray Cyrus, 1989

Every single soldier gives some, unfortunately as Cyrus remind us, some give all.

12. "21 Guns" Jamey Johnson, 2024

About his newly released single, Jamey Johnson says, "I wrote it because I have gone to too many funerals of Marines I served with that were just too young. Seeing their parents who seem much too young to have a child die in that way and wondering what must be going through their minds. This song is the answer to that question."

If you enjoyed these and want to have them close, here is a playlist.