WALDORF, Md. - Country star Trace Adkins is scheduled to headline a patriotic, 4th of July concert Saturday night in Waldorf. But it's who the event is honoring that may be the most memorable part of the night.

Since last year, a group of devoted, sometimes deeply emotional organizers have been trying to put the event together. As one of those involved put it, "It's about the sacrifice of generations." He understands that because his family is one fewer as a result.

Converting a baseball stadium into a concert stage for this crew has maybe never had such meaning. That's because of who will be sitting in the stands.

People like the Lohmans, who lost their son in war, will be at this very special Independence Day celebration. "The Taliban was about to attack one of the middle schools so they turned around and went back and that's when he encountered an IED," said Cindy Lohman, a military mom.

Keith Wallace also lost his son in war. "From the time he was five, everything he had was cammo," he said.

"He was 32 years old -- married [with] three children," said the Roddys of their son, also killed in war.

Some 20 families, all who watched their loved one go off to war but not come home, will be part of a special July 4th concert in their honor.

"There have been very few things I've done in my life that I've enjoyed more so than what I'm doing here," said Ray Mertz, a concert organizer.

What he's doing is making sure among the fireworks and fanfare, Matthew, David, Ryan and the rest are properly remembered.

As painful as it is to be surrounded by reminders of their sons, it's also a source of pride -- one they'll share with complete strangers hoping they'll be celebrating more than just the music when they leave.

The families of those fallen troops say it's important people remember soldiers on July 4th because for many of them, there are no holidays -- just a duty to perform a job many would never want to do.

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