Legendary singer-songwriter Bruce Springsteen has always used his musical prowess and platform to advocate for important causes. From his breakout album "Born in the U.S.A." released in 1984, to his most recent body of work, Springsteen has consistently throughout his career demonstrated a commitment to supporting American veterans and promoting peace and unity as an alternative to war. In this article, we delve into a few of Springsteen's most recent musical projects and continued activism on these fronts.

Known for his poignant storytelling and ability to dive deep into the complexities of the human condition, Springsteen has released a series of songs in recent decades that shed light on the struggles and triumphs of those who serve as members of the first responder and armed forces communities.

Springsteen's landmark album, "The Rising," released in 2002, was based mainly on his personal reflections in the aftermath of the September 11th tragedy. The album's songs, such as "Lonesome Day" and the title track "The Rising," are examples of his empathetic work to tell the first responders’, soldiers’, and their families’ stories.

Another song carefully crafted after Springsteen’s deep reflection is "The Wall," which appeared on his 2014 album "High Hopes." This emotionally charged ballad examines the physical and emotional walls that veterans often face when returning home from conflict. We hear Springsteen contemplate the lost potential of all those names on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial ("The Wall") in Washington, D.C. With lyrics like "Red as the blood you spilled in the Central Highlands mud," he underscores the devastating effects of war and humanity’s need for more compassion and understanding around the world to avoid bloodshed and the loss of life.

In 2019, Springsteen released "The Ghost of Tom Joad" as a live recording with the E Street Band. Originally released in 1995, this song serves as a powerful indictment of the mistreatment of American workers, and by extension, the disregard for the well-being of many working-class American veterans. By reintroducing this song to a new generation, Springsteen reignited conversations about inequality and the persistent struggles faced by the middle-class and soldiers returning home.

More recently, Springsteen's album "Letter to You," released in 2020, features the song "House of a Thousand Guitars." In this anthemic track, Springsteen emphasizes the power of music and collective action in combating injustice. Through the unifying message of "We'll rise together till we find the spark," Springsteen bolsters the spirit of activism and the importance of rallying together to fight for causes that matter.

While Springsteen's music will remain forever powerful, his individual activism extends beyond his songwriting. He has used his unique platform both on and off the stage to bring attention to the needs of American veterans and promote peace. In 2014 for example, Springsteen, along with Metallica, The Black Keys, Zac Brown Band, Carrie Underwood, and other artists joined forces to support "The Concert for Valor" in Washington D.C., which aimed to celebrate and honor veterans while raising awareness about the challenges they face. The event drew more than 100,000 attendees and served as a national reminder of the importance of providing ongoing support and care for those who serve our communities and nation.

Springsteen has also supported year-after-year the Bob Woodruff Foundation’s Stand Up for Heroes event and the Wounded Warrior Project. Through fundraising efforts such as benefit concerts and personal contributions to these organizations he’s helped raise awareness and millions of dollars for critical programs that assist veterans in their transitions back to civilian life.

Springsteen's activism for peace and support of American veterans continues to remind us of the struggles faced by those who serve our country, while also inspiring us to take action and create a more understanding and compassionate world.

His music and advocacy serve as a testament to the transformative power of art and its ability to drive social change. Our Born In the USA sneaker pays tribute to Springsteen’s music and ongoing activism. They include a CD copy of his “Born in the U.S.A.” album for your inspiration. To support the development of the next generation of singer-songwriters, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of every pair supports music education in K-12 schools across the country at Save the Music Foundation.