Detroit musician and WWE Hall of Famer Kid Rock recently made an appearance at the National Guard Association of the United States’ 146th General Conference on Monday, Aug. 26, to welcome former President Donald Trump via MLive.
The music star took the stage as we donned a red “Keep America Great” hat and a “Made in Detroit” T-shirt and thanked audience members for their service while sharing his appreciation for the National Guard.
“One of these most rewarding things I have done in my life and career have been being able to perform for our troops all over the world,” he said the last day of the conference at Huntington Place in Detroit.
During his speech, Kid Rock shared more about how he began to support the troops with his shows. He stated that his mother inspired him to help after the U.S.S Cole bombing in October 2000. Seventeen U.S. sailors were killed, and nearly 40 other crew members were injured.
He said he was touched when he learned the crewmembers on that ship played his song, “American Bad Ass,” and he knew he wanted to do more.
“It gave me chills when I found out about it,” he said.
The musician stated that he was always raised to be patriotic and decided to play a show in Virginia, where all the money raised went to the families of the crewmembers who were killed during the attack. He made sure to stop and have the audience applaud his mother for her inspiration.
Kid Rock then introduced Trump.
“Let’s bring on the man now,” he said. “How about we give a big Detroit welcome, a huge military salute and welcome to our 45th and soon-to-be 47th president of the United States – President Donald J. Trump.”
After taking the stage, Trump had some positive things to say about the musician Robert James Ritchie, commonly known as “Bob.” The former president prefers to call the musician “Bob” instead of using his stage name.
“He’s a great guy and a talented one and it’s an honor to be with all of you incredible patriots,” he said, addressing the crowd.
Following the speech, Trump swung by the Trump Force 47 campaign office in Roseville to speak briefly to volunteers and hand out pizza before boarding a plane.
