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Brantley Gilbert's Memorial Day Visit to Arlington National Cemetery

It was an emotional weekend for Americans as we paused to honor the fallen men and women of our armed forces -- and Brantley Gilbert was right there with us.

The singer stopped by Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. on Monday (May 26), according to Billboard magazine, and took part in the time-honored ceremony of placing a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

It was a very moving moment and a learning experience for Gilbert.

"It makes you realize what kind of sacrifices this country has endured so that we can do the things we enjoy doing," he told the magazine.

The visit came as the final portion to his From Athens to Arlington motorcycle ride and tour and a partnership with Folds of Honor, an organization that works to help the families of fallen veterans.

"It makes you realize how small you actually are and how big something that started in a conversation can become," he said. "When it comes to Folds of Honor, you see the effect and the positive things it does for these families."

For Gilbert, this is what it's all about -- making a difference in the lives of others. Case in point: his visit with Sarah White, whose father, the late Captain Dennis Michael White of the United States Air Force, gave his life in service to our country. Gilbert took the time to join Sarah as she placed a wreath on the gravesite of her father.

Yes, a large part of this trip was about the music -- the release of Gilbert's new album Just as I Am specifically -- but it quickly became something so much more.

"This record is a big thing in my life," he told Billboard. "I'm very excited about it, and we worked a long time on it, but tying something like Folds of Honor in with it makes you realize how small something like that is, too. Being able to show some light on these heroes is irreplaceable. I'm just proud to be a part of it."

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