Scotty McCreery grew up with a strong love of country and with pride in the men and women in the military who keep America safe. So, when his bass player, Nathan Thomas, told him about the ultimate sacrifice the Marine husband of Thomas' cousin made, McCreery was touched.
"My family and I have always been thankful for the men and women who protect us and lay down their lives to keep all Americans free," said McCreery. "When Nathan told me the story about his cousin's husband, I knew it was a very personal way to connect our audiences to the song 'The Dash.'"
Now, every night in concert the "American Idol" winner pays tribute to the brave men and women in our military by performing his fan-favorite song "The Dash." The on-stage performance of the poignant song is accompanied by a video that highlights the life of U.S. Marine Lance Corporal Andrew Carpenter, the husband of his bass player's cousin.
A native of Columbia, Tenn., Carpenter was serving his second tour of duty in Afghanistan when he came under enemy fire and was fatally wounded on Valentine's Day 2011. He died five days later, leaving behind his wife, Chrissie, who was pregnant with their first child, Landon. The town of Columbia later named a highway in honor of Carpenter and his service. Chrissie is Nathan Thomas' cousin.
"The Dash," written by Kyle Jacobs ad Preston Brust, is on McCreery's current album, "See You Tonight."
In addition to including "The Dash" and the video tribute, created by Josh Carter, in each of his shows, McCreery posted an all-new video of "The Dash" on YouTube on Veteran's Day. The video salutes America's military personnel and Lance Corporal Carpenter.
Check out the video here.
McCreery is currently touring in support of his "See You Tonight" album, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums charts and features his Top 10 hit "See You Tonight" and his current Top 15 and climbing single, "Feelin' It."
