Dropkick Murphys.Handout
Dropkick Murphys, the Boston native Celtic punk band, will join forces with veterans and their allies at the Unite for Veterans, Unite for America rally from 2 pm on Friday, June 6.
The "historic performance," organizers said, will be hosted on the National Mall in Washington, DC.
Organizers said that headliners Dropkick Murphys will deliver a "high-energy set to support thousands of veterans protesting deep cuts to the Department of Veterans Affairs and the federal workforce — where veterans make up nearly one-third of all employees."
"Since we started in 1996, Dropkick Murphys has always proudly supported the men and women of the United States military and are honored to count many of them among our most loyal fans," Dropkick Murphys frontman Ken Casey said.
"It will be a privilege to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with veterans on the anniversary of D-Day to raise our voices in defense of their jobs, their health care, and their dignity.”
October 19, 2013: Dropkick Murphys perform prior to Game Six of the American League Championship Series between the Detroit Tigers and the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Getty Images)
The June 6 rally will take place near the Washington Monument and the World War II Memorial, which organizers have described as "a powerful backdrop for a day of protest, remembrance, and unity."
Organized by the Unite for Veterans Coalition, the event will "spotlight attacks on earned benefits, call out attempts to privatize the VA, and rally the veteran community to defend the institutions that serve them," organizers added.
Will Attig, an Army veteran and lead organizer of the event, commented: “We couldn’t ask for a better partner than the Dropkick Murphys.
"Their music has long been a soundtrack for resolve and resilience -- and the source of many post 9/11 war anthems.
"Veterans know the difference between patriotism and empty platitudes -- and on D-Day, we’ll be rallying and singing for something real: veterans’ jobs, their healthcare, and American ideals.”
Organizers noted that the rally remains nonpartisan and veteran-led, focused on upholding American values, preserving veterans’ benefits, and opposing any attempts to dismantle the systems that support those who served.
Veterans, union allies, and supporters are encouraged to join the effort and learn more at Unite4Veterans.org. You can also follow 'Unite for Veterans, Unite for America' on Twitter/X and BlueSky for updates and details.