Martina McBride Salutes Military Members With Valentine’s Day Concert

Talk about a Valentine's Day to remember. Martina McBride performed a free concert for more than 1,000 military personnel and their families in Galveston, Texas, on Feb. 14.

The event hosted by Carnival Cruise Line and Operation Homefront, also featured a day full of activities aboard the Carnival Freedom cruise ship, which is now using Galveston as its home port.

"I am incredibly excited to have the opportunity to perform again on a Carnival ship and am thrilled that I was chosen to be part of this wonderful event that honors U.S. service members and their families," McBride says of the opportunity. "I've played for many audiences in my career, but it [was] a privilege to salute these incredible families and partner with Carnival to bring them an extra special Valentine's Day."

Carnival also graciously donated $100,000 to Operation Homefront, which provides financial and other forms of assistance to military families.

"While we serve military families across the nation, we're grateful for a partner like Carnival who wants to give back right here in our home state of Texas, where we have the second-largest active duty and veteran population in the country," says Tim Farrell, chief operating officer of Operation Homefront.

McBride recently announced that she will extend her Everlasting Tour through the summer.

“We are enjoying the fresh take on our hits of the last 20-plus years, as well as being able to play so much of the new album because it’s familiar music to my fans,” she says. “I think we are all wishing this tour really would last forever!”

McBride, who recently signed with Nash Icon Music, will head to Texas, California, Mississippi and Indiana over the next few months. See a list of all of her upcoming shows here.

See Martina McBride's Yearbook Picture