In 2015, concertgoers at PNC Music Pavilion in Charlotte, North Carolina, relished in a moving scene when country superstar Toby Keith welcomed a 93-year-old veteran on stage for a heartwarming performance.
“I have a very special guest here with me tonight,” the singer told the crowd before introducing what a true American Hero looks like. Retired Lt. Col. Harry Frizzell Sr. then joined Keith on stage, and the two joined hands. Frizzell has served the country for over three decades – spending time in Manila, Philippines during World War II, serving in the Korean War, and flying helicopters in Vietnam. Frizzell is also a father of four.
A Stirring Performance Dedicated To An American Hero
Lucky for us, a fan caught the special moment on a camera and posted the touching video, which immediately went viral. In the short clip, Toby Keith can be seen in a stirring performance in honor of Lt. Col. Harry Frizzell Sr.
Keith kicked off the tribute with “American Soldier.” The crowd can be heard chanting “U.S.A.! U.S.A.! U.S.A.!” as the country singer strapped on his trademark red, white, and blue acoustic guitar to launch into one of the greatest Toby Keith songs, “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue (The Angry American).”
Meanwhile, Frizzell was proudly sitting on his wheelchair, looking truly overjoyed by Keith’s performance. Keith then gave the microphone to Frizzell for a brief word about his thirty-five years in service. “I would like to say just a few letters here,” Frizzell ended his teary speech, raising his arm in victory. “God bless America.”
It was right at this moment that Keith was so entirely overcome by his emotion that he had a hard time speaking and was dabbing tears from his eyes while his band was playing in the background. Well, we can never blame Keith! You can see it for yourself in the video below.