Lee Greenwood to Release Children’s Book Based on ‘God Bless the USA’

Lee Greenwood has announced the release of a new children's book inspired by his hit song 'God Bless the USA.'

'Proud to Be an American' is set to hit shelves over Memorial Day weekend (May 23-25).

Greenwood penned 'God Bless the USA' in 1983 and had no idea that the song would become one of the country's most recognizable patriotic tunes.

"Growing up on my grandparents' farm in California gave me an appreciation for folks who worked hard and got by on very little. My grandparents lost their farm after government regulations prevented them from farming the more profitable fields. But they didn't question why it happened; they just started a new business," Greenwood says. "They believed no matter what difficulties we experienced, we would be okay because we were free.

"America is still the greatest country on Earth," he adds. "As you sit reading the words of my song to your child or grandchild in my new book, it is my hope that young and old alike will feel tremendous pride in being citizens of the United States of America."

The book features lyrics from the song over colorful illustrations by Amanda Sekulow, as well as a foreword telling Greenwood's childhood story. Purchases also include a free download of 'God Bless the USA.'

'Proud to Be an American' is Greenwood's first children's book, but he has also published two other works relating to the hit song, 'Does God Still Bless the USA: A Plea for a Better America' in 2012 and 'God Bless the USA: Biography of a Song' in 1993.

Greenwood recently performed 'God Bless the USA' during the second intermission at the 2015 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic.