TENNESSEE — Musician Robert Ritchie, known as Kid Rock, marked Memorial Day 2026 with a public message honoring U.S. service members who died in military service. “This Memorial Day we are remembering the sacrifice and service of so many who are not with us today. It’s a special day, and we’re thinking of them.”
In March 2026, two AH-64 Apache helicopters flew over Ritchie’s Tennessee residence, which he calls the “Southern White House.” The U.S. Army launched an investigation and suspended the crew for the unplanned flyover. However, U.S. War Secretary Pete Hegseth later ended the investigation and lifted the pilots’ suspension. “Thank you @KidRock. @USArmy pilots suspension LIFTED. No punishment. No investigation. Carry on, patriots.”
Ritchie has participated in multiple USO tours, entertaining U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. “It really started with the bombing of the USS Cole. They were playing my music when that ship got towed out of the harbor and 17 sailors lost their lives. So, we ended up playing a show in Virginia and giving all that money to those families.”
A month after the flyover incident, Ritchie joined Hegseth for a private military helicopter ride near Washington, D.C. During the visit, Ritchie engaged with service members and filmed content for Memorial Day, America’s 250th birthday, and his ongoing “Freedom 250” tour featuring guest performers Jon Pardi, Big & Rich, Parker McCollum, Brantley Gilbert, and Them Dirty Roses. “The visit today provided an opportunity for Kid Rock to thank service members, highlight the professionalism of the men and women supporting the mission and recognize their continued sacrifice in honor of our nation,” said Sean Parnell, chief Pentagon spokesperson.
Ritchie concluded his Memorial Day message with a familiar refrain: “Once again, I wanted to say thank you. God bless all of you for your sacrifice, for your service. Keep on Kid Rockin’ in the free world.”