Freedom Sings USA Marion Illinois Veterans Event: September 12, 2026 Concert Guide
The Freedom Sings USA Marion Illinois veterans event is a free public concert on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at 350 Tower Square Plaza, Marion, IL 62959. The concert caps a songwriting retreat where four local Veterans teamed up with award-winning Nashville songwriters to turn their military stories into original songs.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Type | Free public concert and Veteran songwriting showcase |
| Date | Saturday, September 12, 2026 |
| Time | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Central Time |
| Location | 350 Tower Square Plaza, Marion, IL 62959 |
| Cost | Free admission; bring nonperishable food for VA food pantry |
| Official Organization | Freedom Sings USA (nonprofit 501(c)(3)) |
| Veteran Participants | Four local Veterans selected for the retreat |
| Updated For | September 2026 |
What Is Freedom Sings USA?
Freedom Sings USA is a nonprofit organization that connects professional songwriters with Veterans, active service members, and military families to help them tell their stories through song. Based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the organization uses music-based therapeutic experiences to support healing and readjustment.
Who qualifies for participation: Veterans from all eras who may be experiencing emotional stress, trauma, or PTSD can apply to participate in Freedom Sings retreats. No musical background is required—only the desire to share your story.
Why it matters: Many Veterans find it difficult to talk openly about their experiences. Songwriting offers an alternative path to expression. Veterans are never asked to perform; professional songwriters perform the songs on their behalf.
What Veterans should do next: Visit freedomsingsusa.org to learn about upcoming retreats and songwriting classes, or contact the organization through their website contact form.
Event Details and Schedule
The Marion Freedom Sings event includes multiple components across the day.
Saturday, September 12, 2026
| Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Veterans On Parade | Main Street, Marion |
| Following Parade | Memorial Ceremony | Tower Square Plaza |
| 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Freedom Sings USA Concert | 350 Tower Square Plaza |
The Veterans On Parade is an annual event honoring men and women of Southern Illinois who served in war and peacetime. More than 1,000 Veterans representing all branches participate. Freedom Sings USA is hosting its third local event this weekend, culminating in the evening concert.
What to Bring
Nonperishable food item to support the VA food pantry
Lawn chairs for comfortable seating on the plaza
Friends and family—the event is open to the public
What Happens at the Concert
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityThe concert features original songs written for and about local Veterans, performed live for the first time. The evening follows this format:
Veterans’ songs performed by the professional songwriters who wrote them
Professional songwriters play their own hits following the Veterans’ songs
Special surprise planned during the concert
Participating songwriters are Grammy-nominated or Grammy-winning professionals from Nashville. Past Freedom Sings events have featured writers like Don Goodman (“Ol’ Red”), Steve Dean (“Watching You Dad”), and Bill Whyte (Country Music DJ Hall of Fame).
How Freedom Sings USA Works
The retreat model follows a structured process designed to protect Veteran comfort while honoring their stories.
Step 1: Veteran shares their story privately. The Veteran meets one-on-one with a professional songwriter. No public speaking is required.
Step 2: Songwriter translates the story into music. The songwriter listens, asks questions, and arranges the Veteran’s experiences into verses and choruses.
Step 3: Original song is performed. The songwriter performs the completed song at the public concert. The Veteran’s role is simply to share, at their own pace.
Step 4: Ongoing support. Veterans become alumni with access to weekly songwriting classes and peer support through Freedom Sings USA.
Other Upcoming Freedom Sings Events in Illinois
Freedom Sings USA hosts retreats and concerts throughout Illinois. If you miss the Marion event, these alternatives are available:
| Date | Event | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 2026 | Freedom Sings Elmhurst Retreat | Elmhurst, IL | Applications due March 15, 2026 |
| June 2026 | Heyworth Retreat & Concert | Heyworth American Legion | Free public concert |
| September 12, 2026 | Marion Concert | Tower Square Plaza, Marion | Free public concert |
How to participate in future events: Fill out the contact form on the Freedom Sings USA website or check the Encore Center for Performing Arts application page for open enrollment periods.
Veterans Benefits and Support at the Event
The Marion concert and parade weekend also connects Veterans to VA resources and support services. The Marion VA Health Care System serves Veterans across southern Illinois and surrounding states.
Marion VA Health Care System
What it is: The Marion VA Medical Center provides healthcare services to Veterans in southern Illinois, southwestern Indiana, and western Kentucky.
Services include:
Primary care at the main campus and 11 Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs)
12 active food pantries across the service area including Harrisburg, Carbondale, Marion, Mt. Vernon, and Effingham
Transportation assistance for Veterans traveling to appointments
Why it matters: The food pantry donations collected at the Freedom Sings concert directly support Veterans experiencing food insecurity in the region.
What Veterans should do next: Enroll in VA health care at VA.gov or visit the Marion VA Medical Center. The Center for Development and Civic Engagement can be reached at 618-993-4121.
VA Food Pantry
The Marion VA operates food pantries at multiple locations to address Veteran hunger. The Freedom Sings concert is collecting nonperishable food items to stock these pantries.
How to access: Contact the Marion VA Center for Development and Civic Engagement at 618-993-4121 for current pantry locations and hours.
Common Questions
What is the Freedom Sings USA Marion event?
Freedom Sings USA is hosting a free concert on September 12, 2026, at 6 PM at 350 Tower Square Plaza in Marion, Illinois. Four local Veterans collaborated with Nashville songwriters to create original songs from their military stories, which will be performed live.
Is the Freedom Sings concert free?
Yes. Admission is free and open to the public. Organizers request attendees bring a nonperishable food item to support the VA food pantry.
Who are the Veterans participating in the Marion retreat?
Four local Veterans were selected for the songwriting retreat. Their names have not been publicly released. Veterans are never required to perform—professional songwriters perform the songs on their behalf.
What should I bring to the concert?
Bring a nonperishable food donation for the VA food pantry, lawn chairs for seating, and friends or family. The event is outdoors at Tower Square Plaza.
How can I participate in a future Freedom Sings retreat?
Visit freedomsingsusa.org and fill out the contact form, or check the Encore Center for Performing Arts application page during open enrollment periods. Applications for the May 2026 Elmhurst retreat closed March 15, 2026.
What is Freedom Sings USA?
Freedom Sings USA is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization based in Chattanooga, Tennessee. It connects professional songwriters with Veterans and military families to tell their stories through music-based therapeutic experiences.
Does Freedom Sings USA provide therapy?
The program is described as a music-therapy-based program for Veterans experiencing emotional stress, trauma, or PTSD. It is not a clinical mental health treatment program but offers an alternative path for expression and peer connection.
What songwriters participate in Freedom Sings events?
Past events have featured Grammy-nominated and Grammy-winning Nashville songwriters including Don Goodman (“Ol’ Red”), Steve Dean (“Watching You Dad”), Bill Whyte, Wood Newton, and Wil Nance.
What other Veterans events are in Marion on September 12, 2026?
The Veterans On Parade runs from 10 AM to 12 PM on Main Street, followed by a memorial ceremony at Tower Square Plaza. The Freedom Sings concert follows at 6 PM at the same plaza.
How is the Marion VA involved in the Freedom Sings event?
The Freedom Sings concert collects nonperishable food donations for the Marion VA food pantry. The VA system serves Veterans across 52 counties with 12 active food pantries.
Key Takeaways
Freedom Sings USA Marion concert is September 12, 2026, 6 PM–8 PM at 350 Tower Square Plaza.
Admission is free; bring a nonperishable food item for the VA food pantry.
Four local Veterans collaborated with Nashville songwriters to create original songs from their stories.
Veterans never perform—professional songwriters perform the songs on their behalf.
Freedom Sings USA is a nonprofit using music-based therapeutic experiences for Veterans and military families.
Veterans On Parade runs 10 AM–12 PM the same day on Main Street.
Marion VA food pantries operate across 12 locations serving southern Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky.
Future Freedom Sings retreats are listed at freedomsingsusa.org and encorepresents.org.
Official Resources
Freedom Sings USA: https://www.freedomsingsusa.org
VA Benefits and Health Care: https://www.va.gov
Marion VA Health Care System: https://www.va.gov/marion-health-care/
VA Volunteer Services: https://www.volunteer.va.gov
Encore Center for Performing Arts: https://www.encorepresents.org
Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1
🇺🇸 IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER – Veterans Benefits Information
This site provides general information about U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits for educational and informational purposes only.
- Not Official: We are NOT affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), or any other government agency.
- No Legal/Financial Advice: The content on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or medical advice. VA benefits rules change frequently – always consult with an accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) or a qualified professional for your specific situation.
- Official Sources: For official, binding information and to apply for benefits, always visit official .gov websites: VA.gov, Benefits.VA.gov, or SSA.gov.
- No Data Collection: This site does not collect, store, or process any personal information. It does not have login forms, contact forms, or any system to capture user data. We never ask for your Social Security Number, bank details, or any personal information.
- 🚨 Scam Alert: The VA and other government agencies never charge fees for benefit applications. If anyone asks for money to "process" your VA claim, it is a scam. Report it to the VA Office of Inspector General at VA.gov/OIG.
- Advertising: This site uses third-party advertising (Adsterra) to cover operational costs. We do not endorse or guarantee any products or services advertised.
📌 Information provided as of June 2026. Always verify current eligibility and rules with official .gov sources.
This site is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any government agency. All information is for educational purposes only. Please visit VA.gov for official information.
