Kid Rock Delivers Memorial Day Message from Pentagon

Kid Rock delivered an unusual Memorial Day message from inside the Pentagon this week, appearing behind an official Defence Department podium in sunglasses, a hoodie and a thick chain as he paid tribute to fallen US service members.

The video message was released by the department of defence. Kid Rock is also friends with defence secretary Pete Hegseth.

“Hey everyone, this is Kid Rock,” the singer said as footage of troops and military hardware played on screen. “On this Memorial Day, we are remembering the sacrifice and service of so many who are not with us today. It’s a special day.

“We’re thinking of them. Once again, I wanted to say thank you. God bless all of you for your sacrifice, for your service. Keep on Kid Rocking in the free world. God bless you all.”

His closing line appeared to echo Neil Young’s famous song “Rockin’ in the Free World”, despite Young being a long-time critic of US President Donald Trump. Young has criticised Trump in recent years and previously sued him over the use of his music at campaign rallies.

In 2024, Young released the song “Big Crime”, which included the lyric: “There’s big crime in DC at the White House.”

Kid Rock's real name is Robert Ritchie. He has become close to Hegseth in recent months. In April, the pair flew in AH-64 Apache helicopters from an Army airbase in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, during filming linked to celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

The helicopters normally require two pilots, but only one pilot was onboard each aircraft to make room for the passengers, according to the Daily Beast.

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell defended the event, saying: “Today, Army helicopters operated in the National Capital Region in support of a Freedom 250th community relations event.”

He added that Kid Rock “participated in multiple troop touches with service members and filmed videos for Memorial Day, America’s 250th birthday, and for his Freedom 250 tour”.

Parnell also said the musician’s visit gave him a chance to “thank service members, highlight the professionalism of the men and women supporting the mission, and recognize their continued sacrifice in honor of our nation”.

The Memorial Day appearance follows another controversial stunt in March, when Apache helicopters flew over Kid Rock’s home in Nashville while the singer saluted below.

“God Bless America and all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to defend her,” he said at the time.

Reports later claimed the pilots involved were briefly suspended before Hegseth intervened and reversed the decision.

The Pentagon video also emerged as Trump faced criticism over remarks about military deaths during a recent interview discussing conflicts involving Iran and Venezuela.