Combat Veteran Reacts to Till The Last Shots Fired By Trace Adkins 

As the G.G Granddaughter of a fallen Union Army soldier thank you for this reaction. He was so against slavery, he left my G.G Grandmother and their children to fight for their fellow Americans freedom. Sadly he didn't come home. . . But he died honorably and for a great and noble cause! I lost my great uncle during WWII. He was on the USS Hall when they were hit by a cyclone. His body was never found. My father served in Korea, 1 cousin served in Dessert Storm & 1 cousin served in Iraq. He was hit by an IED and was medical discharged. I'm very proud of the stock I come from... DO NOT KNEEL TO THE FLAG IN FRONT OF ME. DO NOT BURN THE FLAG IN FRONT OF ME. DO NOT DISRESPECT OUR MILITARY MEN AND WOMEN IN FRONT OF ME!

There are many of your fellow Americans who feel a disservice was done to all those who served in Afghanistan. God bless you brother and thank you for your service. 🇺🇸💔🇺🇸 A great reaction. Trace’s voice is perfect to tell this story. And Trace’s Empty Chair is about the table to honor those fallen who you spoke about.

When I was in Afghanistan I remember vividly going out on mission and we were walking passed a field with 10-15 kids all holding Ak-47 and praying to god they didn’t shoot at us because i didn’t want to hurt a child. It’s something I will never forget those childrens faces.

Both my grandfathers here in Finland fought against Russia in WW2, while my grandmoms held up the homefront. My grandpas were two very serious men. I've always been interested in human psyche and mental health and I can not understand, how anyone can go through war without being changed forever. I don't think it's possible. I love hiking and I've been hiking in many of the places, where my grandpas fought. While forest brings me peace, I can't even think about those two young boys being there, scared for their lives, seeing and doing things they could never talk about. Much respect to all the soldiers and veterans in the world. May your hearts heal. 💔❤

I could see the pain in your eyes I can’t even play this yet for my son he still hurts over all of his comrades that he lost for all the children that lost their life thank you for serving The mom of a soldier

Thank you Sir for your service! 🇺🇸🗽

Aloha! When a new dedicated Veteran's Cemetary was opened in my small town, I was stationed far away. As soon as I returned home, I went and paid my respects to EVERY veteran laid to rest, some of them my former coworkers and friends, or a classmate's parent or grandparent. I had a friend's 2 sons and a nephew with me (all under 12), and we acknowledged each service member, read their name and service information aloud, and saluted each and every one, one at a time. These little men showed a lot of genuine interest and great respect (and their salutes were on point, too 😀). I appreciated having their company while I was there. 🤙

This song is a beautiful representation to remind us it isn't about the war but about the Warriors. Thank you for linking this reaction for me to find! ❤️

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!!! YOU ARE LOVED AND APPRECIATED!!!! YOU WERE BROUGHT HOME TO HELP A MAN WITH DEMENTIA TO GET VOTES!!!😢😢😢😭😭😭😭

Ohh you must be talking about the Bobblehead! Stupid move!! This song brings me to my knees every time

Trace can bring tears so easily with his voice, and the stories he tells. His Arlington is another hard one. A group called Home Free has a great one. Brother's In Arms. They have several patriotic ones. Toby Keith has some great ones. There's one called The Empty Chair. Don't remember if it's Toby or Trace that sings it. Thank you so much for your service.

Thank your for your service, sir. May God give you peace.

Great reaction from you. I was heartbroken seeing this kind of fighting. I have high respect to all the soldiers who serve for the country.

thank you all for what you have done to all Veterans thank you i wish you best in life

They used the perfect movies, for the song. Glory, Saving Private Ryan, We Were Soldiers and 12 Strong. Excellent choices.

Glory is a phenomenal movie, Denzel Washington is fantastic as always! Great reaction man, really enjoyed it 😊

From an old veteran to a young one, thank you for your service. I got your six brother.

Well !!! We all know who the blame is there..Thank you son for your service..and May God Bless you...!!!

Thing I like about we were soldiers is it shows the colonel being the first one on the ground and the last one to leave

Thank you so much!! I'm at a loss for words. I'm a desert storm veteran, proudly served. Thank you for sharing. This truly gets me to tear up

This is one of my favourite songs. Trace adkins is one of the most patriotic artists. You should check out Coffey Anderson as well.

Thank you so much for your service sir. We have one of those restaurants here in Indiana

Thankyou for your service

G'day mate, you might like to add a couple of aussie faves to the list..."The Band Played Waltzing Matilda" by Eric Vogel; "I Was Only 19 - A Walk In The Green" by Redgum. Both of these are kind of a bit spesh to us, and I think you might like them too... 🙃🐨🇦🇺

Soldiers are the true Super Heros! Thank you and all who served for my freedoms! We have 3 in at the moment. One just left for the Pacific, one in Europe, and one in Hawaii.

The live version at the CMA with the West Point is amazing! BTW, Glory is my favorite movie.

Thank you for your service & God Bless You 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

I'm from the Vietnam era. Vet friends have talked about it...a little. I realized I will never be able to say i Saved the lives of strangers like they have. Thank you.

As you've already seen, Trace has great respect for the military and he has several more songs to honor them - but since you spoke of the concept of the empty chair, only seems right to recommend you look for that one from him next (Trace Adkins "Empty Chair")

God bless you soldier. There's still a whole country of us that respect and honor you for what you did in our place. I just did miss Nam. Lost some good friends there. It is my sincere prayer that God heals the rips and tears in your mind. I can't even begin to comprehend but I can talk to God for you. Peace, love , and respect to you. God still heals hearts and minds. Every day. One more thing. You don't need to hear it but....... I need to say it .It is my belief that for sure and for certain every soldier that faced fire and didn't turn away is a hero. Period.

Thank you for reacting to this song Trace Adkins is very involved with veterans and with several veteran organizations every song he sings is from his heart. I think you would like a A Capella group called Home Free they did a song called Brother In Arms song done by Dire Straits in 1985 and Travelin Soldier done by the Dixie Chicks and God Bless The USA with Lee Greenwood and The US Airforce Band

Trace Adkins has a newer song called the empty chair I think. It's about the older veterans seating a table drinking coffee. It's makes remember my uncles and my dad. Thank you for your service.

Thank you for your service to this great nation! God bless our troops and veterans! You all are heroes whether you want to acknowledge it or not!! I hate what our government has done to those who have served. You weren't controversial at all. Quite the opposite! You've seen this first hand, been through the battles, seen the ugliness of war. The Afghanistan withdrawal was shameful and disgusting in how it went down. It was a slap in the face to the many who sacrificed and suffered so much at our governments bidding. I was in the presence of a Vietnam veteran when news broke of the withdrawal and the look on his face, his eyes...I will NEVER forget it as long as I live! Betrayal!! After all that these men and women had been through, he understood it better than most. A huge "Thank You" to all who have served! We love you and we appreciate your sacrifices, don't ever forget that!! We know why we're free!!

Your breathing changed immediately when the video began. Nothing but love for you! Many thanks for your service!

Although it's very well done this is not the official video for this song. Go back and watch him perform this on the 2009 CMA awards, it's amazing performance

Good evening brother. Happy 4th. Thank you for your service

Fantastic reaction. Just want to let you know that even though I am not a vet, I still have a set of ears if you need to talk.

Thank you for your service. God bless you ❤

Sir.... Just want to take a moment and thank you for your service. My Uncle was in Vietnam. My heart goes out to every man and woman who has served, passed away, or still serving. My Uncle suffered from PTSD and my heart aches for everyone in Service

Being a vietnam vet I know your feelings. The VA today is different from my time so you can seek help there. If you don't want to go there, which I understand, seek out other vets such as an organiztion called vets for vets so you can talk things out. Not having a support group during my time really messed me up. Don't let it happen to you. And thank you for your service and being true to our country.

Thank you, sir... this song tears me up every time I hear it~

This song made me cry the first time i heard it and it still does. Thank you for coming home brother.

respect is earned not just given mother of 2 males that have been with their wives 20 years and 15 years respectively grandmother of 2 grandsons and 3 granddaughters and we (both sides of the village) do not let ours act like this

Thank you for your service brother and any vets or current military men and women who reads this god bless all of y’all ❤🇺🇸

This is a real beautiful song. Thanks for sharing. Thank you god your service and sacrifice.

I have a reaction suggestion. We just had the anniversary of Pearl Harbor the other day. There's a video called Naval Legends Attack on Pearl Harbor that's a great mini documentary about it. And even stories you may not of heard about

Thanks for reacting to this. I've never seen a video for the song. The choir is the West Point Academy Glee Club. They performed it with him at the CMA Awards show. If you have never heard it the Big and Rich song 8th of November is an amazing song that tells a story of a Vietnam Veteran. The official video is the best because it also gives an important back story. On a different note, I would love to see you react to some stand-up comedy, as well as music.

Thank you for your service.

Thanks for your service.

Thank you for your service 🙏

I saw it in your eyes, for a moment you had the 1000 yards view. my respect and salute to you.

thank you for your services

Thank you for your reaction and thank you for your service. My oldest son enlisted in the Marines before graduation in 2002 and by the following February was sitting in Kuwait waiting for orders to go to Iraq for the start of the war. Several firefights etc. but we got him back thank God❤️❤️. I hope you are doing alright❤️

I have a granduncle that was in the vietnam war, He never speaks about it, except for one story. He was the sole survivor of 2 platoons. The first platoon he was scouting for his squad and was currrently sitting in a tree when the vietcong set up camp underneath of him. He had to wait in the tree for a week before the vietcong left for another position, during that time his first platoon was all killed. The Army had him as MIA/KIA until he made his way back to base. He is one of the coolest, chillest people I know. I have a lot of respect for the men and women that go into the armed services.

I’m so happy he finally made a video for this song trace love our vets and all of our military I see the same pain in your eyes I see in my sons eyes when I ask him if he’s ok he says yes mom I can’t tell you how I feel I’m so sorry for your pain and what your going through as a mom of a wounded warrior my heart goes out for you

Brilliant video, you come across so genuine and you tell your reaction comes from the heart

Another outstanding video. Gives us a better perspective of what we have no idea about, what actually goes on and what went on and how it can still impact vets and soldiers many years after their service.

Thank you for your service. I pray that you have restful nights when u close your eyes your term onto will be gone blessings

Thank you for your service

God bless you brother and thank you for your service 🙏. And I want to thank every brother and sister's who are still serving and the one's who have lost there life's protection ours.

Brand new subscriber you should check out Craig Morgan he is a retired Army veteran turned country singer. Craig Morgan Paradise, Craig Morgan if Not Me, Craig Morgan What Matters The Most

Thank you for your service!!!

Another great reaction. Thank you Brother. It reminded me of the Brothers I have lost . Lord knows....... Sorry gtg

It’s important to know, the Wars of old, the solder’s did not have training! My Father was a mean, and brutal man. With forever questions that will remain unanswered. Orphaned as a young child, living on his own in the swamps of Louisiana. At the age of 15 (lying about his age. People didn’t have documents back then), he joined the Army, to have a “place”. He was shipped to Japan at the end of WW2, then went and fought in the Korea War. Was he mean, brutal, and alcoholic because of life, the Wars? We did not know he was decorated with many metals until the Salvation Army gave us his small bag, his only possession. He died alone on a sidewalk.

Every vet fought for peace in the hope they would make the world a better place I did not put my life on the line because I liked conflict but to end it a black watch vet we can only hope great song I always shed a tear rest easy my comrades in arms

Thank you ❤

Wow, great vid

When he performed this atthe Country Music Awards show, backed by the West Point cadets, the introduction by a wounded marine said to remember "It's about the warrior, not the war".

You should react to the official music video for this song. It was a live performance at the Country Music Awards. It included a performance by the West Point Glee Club. If that doesn't hit you hard, you don't have a soul!!

Cole swindell you should be here is a good song he wrote after his last call with his dad it hits home for me

I know the term “I can’t go home until the last shots fired” meaning their spirit is stuck there. I can see it click in your head that that’s the way it feels during combat. It’s heavy, dark, and heartbreaking. Because their spirits couldn’t go home. But when it was over it was like a breath of fresh air, because they were finally able to go home, and so were you.

My heart hurts for our soldiers, I pray for all of them. May they rest in peace and those still with us I pray their hearts and minds rest easy for the job they have done. ❤

Trace Adkins - The Empty Chair, about what you spoke of, leaving an empty chair for respect.

I feel your pain we pulled out of Nam the same way and it hurt

I share your tears my brother with time dreams fade, and it gets better. Welcome home. Forgive those in the past so you don’t carry the guilt from things out of your control. Thank you for your service.

That's a great movie.

Trace Adkins You’re gunna miss this

Thank you for your service! 🇺🇸 I agree, we should not have pulled out of Afghanistan.

I liked your commentary. Could you please react to Lee Brice "I Drive Your Truck" . This song was inspired by the words of the father of Sergeant First Class Jared Monti while being interviewed about his son. I will let you read the rest of the backstory on Sgt Monti yourself. Let me say also, I'm grateful for your service and sacrifice

For my fallen brothers my watch won’t end it my duty and my enlistment has no expiration date so rest well my brothers I got you

My great grandfather served in the Civil War from 1861-1864 he was from Hickory Flat Mississippi

You sir have got a new subscriber

BOY I FOUND THAT OUT THE HARD WAY!!!! THERE WAS NOWHERE ELSE TO SIT AND I UNKNOWINGLY SAT DOWN…. I HAD 2 OR 3 VETS APPROACH ME AND TELL ME WHAT THAT TABLE MEANT!!!! IM EXTREMELY PATRIOTIC!!! I WANTED TO JOIN ANYONE THAT WOULD GIVE ME A WEAPON AND ENOUGH BULLETS WHEN I WATCHED THOSE TOWERS FALL!!!! SALUTE TO ALL VETERANS AND THANK YOU!!!! I WENT AROUND THE PLACE WHILE CRYING TO APOLOGISE AND THANK EVERYONE IN THERE…😢😢😢😭😭😭🙏🙏🙏🌹🌹🌹

5:24 I agree with you 100% man! So many soldiers died or were severely wounded, from so many country's that were over there, and because of the way it ended it all feels all so pointless.. Did they really all die in vain? Was it all for nothing, all those sacrifices and loss for the families?... After the retreat Afghan vets got a letter from the minister of defense trying to explain the situation. It was a kick in the nuts man, reading it and seeing how fast it all went to shit again in Afghanistan.. I still have troubles accepting it and I don't know if I ever will 😤

The Empty Chair, think Trace did that one .

My poor father went to war in Vietnam and never made it home. He was only 19. I wish he was still alive so he could watch this wonderful video.

It was way different back then. What we went through was bad but I agree that took guts

Thank you 🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲

My mom both loves and hates this song. It always reminds her of losing her oldest brother Bobby in Korea on Valentine's Day when she was 7. He received a Purple Heart posthumously.

I feel you brother. Dying and pain is left to us, not them bastards making the 'decisions'.

I dont know your first name brother. I served in the Submarine Force from '87-91' . I Did NOT see action, Thank God. But submarine service has its own dangers. Anyway , i agree so much with your mission statement. I have a suggetion to honor or brother and sister Veterans. Do a reaction to the Vietnam Nurses interviews. I can try to post a link if your interested. They are all around an hour long. Back then women were not allowed to be in combat, but, they did serve in combat areas. These woman showed amazing bravery,strength and tougness. I have a favorite one but i love all of them. I dont wanna tell thier stories, its better to hear it from them. WELCOME HOME AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!!. because of you and the ones you served with, my grandchildren grew up safe and free. I do not take that for granted

The restaurant I spoke about is the tinplate in Elwood Indiana

Tracehasa new one on his new double album for the military and they salute the empty chair

I was there in the winter of '64 When we camped in the ice at Nashville's doors Three hundred miles our trail had lead We barely had time to bury our dead When the Yankees charged and the colors fell Overton hill was a living hell When we called retreat it was almost dark I died with a grapeshot in my heart Say a prayer for peace For every fallen son Set my spirit free Let me lay down my gun Sweet mother Mary I'm so tired But I can't come home 'til the last shot's fired In June of 1944 I waited in the blood of Omaha's shores Twenty-one and scared to death My heart poundin' in my chest I almost made the first seawall When my friends turned and saw me fall I still smell the smoke, I can taste the mud As I lay there dying from a loss of blood Say a prayer for peace For every fallen son Set my spirit free Let me lay down my gun Sweet mother Mary I'm so tired But I can't come home 'til the last shot's fired I'm in the fields of Vietnam, The mountains of Afghanistan And I'm still hopin', waitin' prayin' I did not die in vain Say a prayer for peace For every fallen son Set my spirit free Let me lay down my gun Sweet mother Mary I'm so tired But I can't come home 'til the last shot's fired 'Til the last shot's fired Say a prayer for peace (for peace) For our daughters and our sons Set our spirits free (set us free) Let us lay down our guns Sweet mother Mary, we're so tired But we can't come home (No we can't come home) 'Til the last shot's fired

My son-in-law served in Afghanistan. The truck that he was in hit an IED, and everyone but him died. He has a traumatic brain injury, PTSD, anxiety and depression. He also suffers tremendously from survivors guilt. He gets deeply depressed on the anniversary of losing his combat brothers. My daughter found him in their driveway 2 years ago with a gun to his head. One of the guys that he served with in Germany committed suicide a few months ago, and my daughter left work to go get their gun out of the house. VA is doing NOTHING to help him, just hand him a prescription for an antidepressant every six months and refuse to get him mental help. Sorry to unload, but it's extremely sad what our veterans deal with. Thank you for your service sir.

As one combat vet to another, I have the same sentiments regarding to Afghanistan. When I heard all I thought of was all the people that died there, seemingly for not.

Listen to his live version with the introduction

Glory is a fantastic movie, crazy to try and fathom what it was like way back then, why I appreciate living history programs/ events and period reenactment so much on top of what record there is in audio/ video format from the Veterans of those wars long past. Spielberg nailed it with Saving Private Ryan and Band of Brothers, Randall Wallace is a great director and We Were Soldiers is a hell of a film. Whoever did this compilation for the song/ fan film did a good job.

I understand, bro. (MSgt, USAF, Ret)

I know this video is kinda old, but around @13:45 you started talking about the Empty Chair and I just thought you might like to know that Trace Adkins actually has a song called Empty Chair. He also has one called Still a Soldier that discusses coming back to civilian life and how hard it can be to make that adjustment. They are both fantastic songs. Empty Chair is a bit emotional, as you can imagine. But Still a Soldier is more peppy and upbeat.