Memorial Day Playlist: Patriotic Songs For Remembering And Honoring Military Veterans

It’s Memorial Day weekend, and that means it is time to remember and honor the sacrifice our soldiers (and military animals) made while fighting for our nation’s freedom.

Many people confuse Memorial Day with Veterans Day. It’s important to understand the difference. Memorial Day is a time when we reflect upon the sacrifice soldiers made who have died fighting for our country. On Veterans Day, we honor all soldiers and specifically honor those who are living. Memorial Day is a time to recognize, remember, and honor those who died during war or military service. 

Some are choosing to honor those who have died in attacks on our nation, such as the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, on Memorial Day as well. 

This year, please remember the true meaning of Memorial Day. It is not to find a great sale or deal nor is it to kick off summer with the best barbecues. Everyone celebrates Memorial Day differently, but regardless of how you choose to spend Memorial Day weekend, these songs will help you remember the true meaning and purpose of this special day.

Here is a playlist featuring 23 songs that will help you focus on Memorial Day’s true meaning.

1. The Star-Spangled Banner — Whitney Houston
2. God Bless the U.S.A. — Lee Greenwood
3. God Bless America — Generald Wilson
4. America the Beautiful — Ray Charles
5. Some Gave All — Billy Ray Cyrus
6. Color Me America — Dolly Parton
7. Arlington — Trace Adkins
8. American Soldier — Toby Keith
9. If You’re Reading This — Tim McGraw
10. I Will Remember You — Sarah McLachlan
11. Born In The U.S.A. — Bruce Springsteen
12. I Drive Your Truck — Lee Brice
13. The Ones Who Didn’t Make It Back Home — Justin Moore
14. My Country Tis of Thee — Kelly Clarkson
15. Taps at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier — U.S. Army
16. Taps at Arlington National Cemetery
17. Heaven Was Needing A Hero — Jo Dee Messina
18. Requiem for a Soldier — Cynthia Erivo
19. My Heart Will Go On — Jackie Evancho
20. Let There Be Peace On Earth — Vanessa Williams
21. America The Beautiful and the Battle Hymn of the Republic — Katharine McPhee
22. Fire and Rain — Kelli O’Hara
23. Wind Beneath My Wings — Renee Fleming

You may listen to the full Memorial Day playlist in the video player below.