Tuesday night at the Von Braun Center, 40 stars came together to celebrate country star Lee Greenwood's 40 years of hits at the All Star Salute to Lee Greenwood.
The concert started at 7 p.m., and as soon as doors opened, fans ran into the sold-out arena. People from all across the country came out to see the concert, which was packed with star-studded performances, all in tribute to Greenwood.
"I'm just saying, for 40 years, Lee has touched people around the world with his music and his patriotism, y'all," said one of the stars, Southern chef Paula Deen, who helped host the event. "And now, we finally, after 40 years, get to celebrate the man himself!"
Greenwood's music has touched people across the United States.
"Lee Greenwood is just one of the best entertainers that I have ever seen," said Kathy Spear, one of the first people in line for the concert. "He is just terrific."
Spear and her son, Alan Pipe, didn't drive 14 hours from New York just because of Greenwood's music, although it was a big plus.
They made the trip because of Greenwood's dedication to honoring veterans, like Pipe.
"It's just a combination of giving an opportunity for us veterans to come to a place and recognizing what we've done when a lot of people don't so much anymore," Pipe said.
Many feel Greenwood is standing up for veterans and showing them the appreciation they deserve, just as he sings in his iconic lyrics, "I'd gladly stand up, next to you and defend her still today. 'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land, God bless the U.S.A."
The concert was the third top-grossing event at the VBC after superstars Elton John and Reba McEntire played the venue.
