Justin Moore Invites Family of Route 91 Survivors Onstage For Emotional Tribute [Watch]
Justin Moore found his own way to honor the memory of the Route 91 Harvest Festival when he brought a family of survivors up onstage to fulfill their simple request and invite them to sing along to one of his hit songs.
During a recent show, Moore invited Route 91 survivors Joe, Ashley and Isaac to come out onstage, holding a banner that read "Survivor Country Strong," which sent the crowd into a frenzy of support. Moore not only fulfilled Joe's request that he autograph the banner, he also took a moment to honor their strength and resilience.
"That night changed every single artist in country music, and it changed every single fan, and I'm so proud and so thankful that you guys are still coming out here and doing this and showing up," Moore says to the family as the crowd cheers in solidarity. "Most importantly, we're so thankful that you guys are here tonight safe and sound."
After Moore signed his name to the commemorative banner, he shared an emotional embrace with Joe before launching into an impassioned rendition of "If Heaven Wasn't So Far Away." The family of three was moved to tears as they sang the poignant song, with Joe raising the banner overhead as Moore belted the final note.
"You're in our thoughts and prayers today and every day #Route91 #VegasStrong," the singer writes on Facebook, accompanying the video of the emotional moment.
Many country stars turned to social media on Monday (Oct. 1) to reflect on the one year anniversary of the mass shooting that took place at the 2017 country music festival in Las Vegas, claiming the lives of 58 people. Jason Aldean, Maren Morris and Jake Owen were among those who shared their thoughts. Aldean was onstage when the shooting occurred, and Owen had performed earlier that night.
"Thinkin about our Route 91 family today. #vegasstrong," Aldean writes on Instagram, with his wife Brittany also reflecting, "Heavy on our hearts today and every day."
"A year ago today people were loving life. They were singing along. Families and friends. 58 lives were lost and thousands were injured and lives changed forever. You will always be in my heart and on my mind," Owen writes in a touching post, while Morris reflects, "Thinking of the fans we lost a year ago. You’ll always be the 3 chords and the truth. #Route91."
In addition to honoring the family of Las Vegas survivors, Moore recently donated $30,000 to the MSD Fund to aid the victims and families of gun violence in schools during a benefit show for those impacted by the Parkland school shooting in February of 2018 that took the lives of 17 people.
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