NASHVILLE, Tenn. – (September 1, 2021)– On the occasion of the 20th year since the 9/11 terror attacks, Circle Network is partnering with Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) for Circle Remembers 9/11 presented by Wounded Warrior Project, an unprecedented collection of programming full of both solemn and heart-warming moments. Airing from 8am to 10pm EST on Saturday, September 11th, the daylong network takeover will include inspiring and heartfelt storytelling from veterans, their families and friends that will honor and pay tribute to the commitment and sacrifice of our heroes, and will culminate with two primetime specials featuring performances from the Bacon Brothers, Billy Ray Cyrus, Brad Paisley, Carly Pearce, Charles Esten, Craig Morgan, Jimmie Allen, Lauren Alaina, Little Big Town, the McCrary Sisters, MercyMe, Trace Adkins, Trisha Yearwood, Vince Gill and more.
“The country music community played an integral role in the healing process in the aftermath of 9/11 as it offered comfort through heartfelt lyrics and messages and helped bring those who were suffering together through the power of music. We couldn’t be more proud to partner with Wounded Warrior Project to bring the community together to remember all those lost and commemorate our many heroes,” said Drew Reifenberger, Circle Network’s General Manager.
“Wounded Warrior Project is proud to partner with Circle for this day of remembrance. As we honor those who lost their lives in the terror attacks of 9/11, we must also remember the more than 3 million men and women who stepped forward to fight for us in the days, months, and years that followed. A great deal will be said about the War on Terror in the coming years, but most importantly we owe our veterans more than a debt of gratitude for their service and sacrifice. They fought bravely for our country, for the vulnerable, and for each other. Their service and sacrifice are not forgotten. We stand together to remember all who died and all who served,” said Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Mike Linnington, Wounded Warrior Project CEO.
Circle Remembers 9/11 presented by Wounded Warrior Project will begin with Coffee, Country & Cody: Remembers 9/11, a three-hour live special hosted by Bill Cody and Michael “CQ” Carrasquillo, that will feature veterans and representatives from the Wounded Warrior Project recalling their experience on 9/11 and how that day influenced their military careers, as well as performances of songs in observance of 9/11. The afternoon will then lead into notable performances from past Veterans and Memorial Days, a stand-up comedy show featuring veterans, various episodes of Craig Morgan’s Craig’s World that celebrate our country, and more.
Hosted by Bobby Bones, Songs from September: The Music That Healed A Nation will air from 6 – 8pm EST as artists recall the music that helped them manage those difficult and uncertain times.
Directly following from 8 – 10pm EST, Circle will air a special Opry Live filled with warrior stories and performances from legendary country artists from the Opry stage, and special musical tributes from three Sept. 11 memorial sites: Ground Zero, the Pentagon, and Shanksville. For almost 5,000 Saturday nights, the Opry has been a source of comfort for millions and has become known around the world as the home for country music. The legendary stage will bring together Vince Gill, The McCrary Sisters and others for this special event, hosted by Charles Esten. The special two-hour Opry Live will also be livestreamed on Circle All Access’ Twitter, Facebook and YouTube channels.
This partnership, which began in 2020, marks a continuation of Circle Network’s work to share WWP’s mission with millions of country music fans through iconic live performances. When the world went dark on live music in 2020, the Opry stage was one of the few places still able to continue performing live music, creating the opportunity to introduce WWP’s mission to new audiences.
Circle Remembers 9/11 presented by Wounded Warrior Project will air from 8 am to 12 am EST on Saturday, September 11th, with both new and memorable performances and shows, as follows:
8-11:00 AM EST
Coffee, Country & Cody: Remembers 9/11
Description: Circle Network and WSM Radio partner with the Wounded Warrior Project to remember the lives lost and forever changed on September 11, 2001.
11-11:30 AM EST
Craig’s World
Description: After a break from songwriting following the tragic loss of his son, “The Father, My Son, and the Holy Ghost” has topped the charts
11:30-12 AM EST
Craig’s World
Description: Craig promised his son-in-law he will run a half marathon in frigid temperatures- the same day as a big concert across the state. Will Craig’s endless energy be enough?
12-12:30 PM EST
Craig’s World
Description: Craig travels to the annual Grand Ole Opry Duck Hunt, where some of country music’s finest take a few days to relax, swap stories, and play music
12:30-1 PM EST
Craig’s World
Description: Craig sings the national anthem at a Nashville Predators game and hopes he can conquer his nerves and remember the lyrics. Craig performs at the Grand Ole Opry the evening after the Tennessee tornadoes.
1-2 PM EST
Opry
Description: Craig Morgan, singer-songwriter Brantley Gilbert and country musician Justin Moore perform at the Opry in Nashville, TN.
2-3 PM EST
Opry
Description: Luke Combs, Lauren Alaina and Chris Young Salute The Troops
3-6 PM EST
Coffee, Country & Cody: Remembers 9/11 (encore for West Coast audiences)
Description: Circle Network and WSM Radio partner with the Wounded Warrior Project to remember the lives lost and forever changed on September 11, 2001.
6-8 PM EST
Songs from September: The Music That Healed A Nation
Description: Bobby Bones curates a tour of music that came in the aftermath of the September 11 events. Artists recall the music from that time that helped them manage those difficult and uncertain times.
8-10 PM EST
Opry Live
Description: A live Grand Ole Opry featuring Vince Gill, Charles Esten and more with WWP storytelling throughout
10-12 AM EST
Songs from September: The Music That Healed A Nation (encore for primetime west coast audiences)
Description: Bobby Bones curates a tour of music that came in the aftermath of the September 11 events. Artists recall the music from that time that helped them manage those difficult and uncertain times.
12 AM EST
Opry Live (encore for primetime west coast audiences)
Description: Grand Ole Opry featuring Vince Gill, Charles Esten and more with WWP storytelling throughout
