America's Gold Star Families Honored at Gala Nashville Concert

WINCHESTER, CA--(Marketwired - Jan 14, 2014) - National nonprofit organization Help Hospitalized Veterans (HHV) in cooperation with Bugles Across America and Soldier's Wish will host a gala concert event in honor of American Gold Star Families on February 8, 2014 at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, Tennessee.

The concert will kick-off HHV's annual national concert initiative, which was designed to show appreciation to America's veterans, respect and appreciation to America's Gold Star families and to encourage citizens to volunteer at medical facilities.

Other concerts are planned for Prescott, Arizona; Temple, Texas; Grand Junction, Colorado and Chicago, Illinois.

"HHV is honored to host the national concert series," said Diane Hartmann, CEO of Help Hospitalized Veterans. "These concerts do more than entertain our veterans and their families, they shine a light on the importance and need for volunteers at hospitals across the nation," Hartmann added.

This year each concert has a different theme. Nashville's concert highlights America's Gold Star families -- those who have lost a family member in combat. The performance lineup features country music superstars Aaron Tippin and Darryl Worley. Also appearing are Lucas Hoge, Laura Lynn, and Susan D. Wiseman, The Tribute Lady.

In keeping with their motto, "The price has already been paid by the sacrifices of our military," HHV ensures that admission is free.

Several Nashville-area elementary schoolchildren have also been invited to participate by creating handmade Valentine's, which will be presented to Gold Star family members in attendance. "Many Americans are unaware of what a Gold Star family is. Our elementary school initiative helps educate our young about what it means to be free, what freedom costs, and how important it is to recognize and thank those who have served," said Hartmann.

Since 1971, HHV has provided over 28 million arts and crafts kits to veterans receiving healthcare, and is the founding sponsor of the annual national Valentines for Veterans Concert Series.