Brantley Gilbert Heads Up Chattanooga: Unite Benefit for Fallen Soldiers

After tragedy struck in Chattanooga, Tenn., when a man opened fire at a military recruiting center on July 16, killing four Marines and one Naval officer, Brantley Gilbert felt called to action. To support the grieving families and community as well as honor the soldiers’ memories, Gilbert volunteered to play a benefit show, now titled Chattanooga Unite: Tribute on the River and set for Sept. 16.

“I had tears in my eyes,” Gilbert admitted to radio station US-101 when he heard the news about the armed service members. “It pissed me off, but at the same time I want do everything I can just to see if I can reach out and help these families a little bit. We can’t ever give ‘em back (their loved ones), but maybe we can give ‘em something."

The event will begin with an Armed Forces Parade, followed by a free performance from Gilbert on the town’s Riverbend barge stage and an official tribute from Chattanooga native and award-winning actor Samuel L. Jackson. The event will conclude with fireworks over the river.

Chattanooga Unite is being held in honor of U.S. Marine Gunnery Sgt. Thomas Sullivan, U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. David Wyatt, U.S. Marine Sgt. Carson Holmquist, U.S. Marine Lance Corporal Skip Wells and U.S. Navy Petty Officer Randall Smith. In lieu of ticket fees, attendees are encouraged to show their support by donating via collection bins at the event to The National Compassion Fund, which directly aids victims and families of mass crimes.

For more information about the event, click here.

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