Introduction
Trace Adkins Delivers Emotional Rendition of “If the Sun Comes Up” at the 2020 National Memorial Day Concert
On a quiet and reflective Memorial Day evening in 2020, country music legend Trace Adkins took to the stage in a performance that touched hearts across the nation. Participating in the annual National Memorial Day Concert, Adkins offered a deeply emotional rendition of “If the Sun Comes Up,” a song that resonated powerfully in honoring fallen heroes and comforting those they left behind.
The concert, which aired nationally on PBS, looked different from past years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of a live audience gathered on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, performances and tributes were pre-recorded or broadcast remotely. Yet, despite the absence of a crowd, the spirit of the event remained deeply intact. Adkins, with his trademark baritone voice and heartfelt delivery, reminded viewers why this concert is one of the most meaningful Memorial Day traditions in the United States.
“If the Sun Comes Up” is a somber yet hopeful ballad, reflecting on loss, remembrance, and the resilience of the human spirit. As Adkins sang, images of American servicemen and women, their families, and historic military moments appeared on the screen. The emotion in his voice was palpable, each lyric carrying the weight of sorrow, sacrifice, and enduring love. The performance served as a reminder of the personal cost of freedom, especially to families who have lost loved ones in service.
This was not Trace Adkins’ first time performing at the National Memorial Day Concert. Over the years, he has become a familiar face at the event, known for his support of the military and veterans’ causes. His strong connection to the armed forces—Adkins has long worked with organizations like the Wounded Warrior Project and the USO—adds a personal sincerity to every note he sings during these memorial tributes.
Speaking before his performance, Adkins expressed his deep gratitude and respect for the men and women who gave their lives in service to the United States. He emphasized the importance of remembering them not just on Memorial Day, but every day. “We owe them everything,” he said. “It’s our duty to make sure their sacrifice is never forgotten.”
The 2020 concert, though held under the shadow of a global pandemic, was a poignant reminder of unity, sacrifice, and national gratitude. Adkins’ performance stood out as one of the most powerful moments of the night—a stirring musical tribute that comforted the grieving and honored the brave.
In a time of uncertainty and isolation, Trace Adkins’ voice carried a message of hope and remembrance. His performance of “If the Sun Comes Up” reminded all Americans of the enduring strength of those who serve and the eternal light left behind by those who gave everything.