If you want to hear patriotic songs, whether openly saluting the military or just extolling the virtues of everyday life in America, country music is a great place to start. In recent years we've heard heartfelt songs by several artists who may not be household names yet--like ex-soldiers Luke Stricklin ("American by God's Amazing Grace") and Keni Thomas' ("Not Me"). But the tunes that made it on our list of 20 Greatest Country Patriotic Songs are by some of country's most influential artists, and these patriotic tunes are among their most enduring. In no particular order, here they are:

"Courtesy of the Red, White & Blue (The Angry American)" (2002) written and performed by Toby Keith

Written just days after the attacks of 9/11, this tune makes no bones about it—Toby was fighting mad. Written partly as a tribute to his war veteran father, the song summed up the feelings of a lot of Americans who wanted a very forceful response to an assault by terrorists on innocent men, women and children. It became a rallying cry for our troops and a thorn in the side of people like Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks who called the song "ignorant" and Peter Jennings of ABC News, who uninvited Toby to be party of a patriotic television special after reading the lyrics of "Courtesy." While Toby doesn't describe himself as a very political guy, he is a "very patriotic" guy. "If you believe in it enough, it's worth fightin' for," he's been quoted as saying. "And if you're not gonna fight for it, then you deserve to be dictated to, you know—and I'm not willing to do that."

"God Bless the USA" (1983), written and performed by Lee Greenwood

Often called the "unofficial National Anthem," in 2003—the 20th anniversary of its release—online voters named this powerful song the "most recognizable patriotic song" in the nation. And, after nearly 25 years, the song Lee wrote to show his appreciation for his country and his willingness to defend it still routinely brings crowds to their feet at the opening strains of the first chorus. While cynics may describe it as jingoistic, there are a good many citizens who, to this day, cannot hear its heartfelt championing of America's virtues without getting misty.

"Letters from Home" (2004) written by Tony Lane and David Lee and performed by John Michael Montgomery

Inspired by the American military involvement in Afghanistan and Iraq, this song is based on the military, but it's really about family and how important it is for those serving in far-away conflicts to know that loved ones are thinking about them?and how important letters are and always have been in doing that. "I went to Ft. Hood," recalls John Michael. "And I met a father there who told me, 'I lost my son.' And they thanked me for the song. It's just one of those special songs."

"Some Gave All" (1992) Co-written and performed by Billy Ray Cyrus

This was the title cut of Billy Ray's debut album, which eventually sold approximately 14 million copies worldwide. The song is a tribute to the sacrifices of all veterans of war and was recorded after Billy Ray met a Vietnam veteran who later died. Not surprisingly, "Some" has been embraced by veterans' groups and has also been featured as the plotline in Billy Ray's former "Doc" TV series. As a truly personal tribute, some rescue workers at "ground zero" in New York later got "Some Gave All" tattoos in memory of their lost friends.

"Bumper of My SUV" (2004) written and recorded by Chely Wright

As Chely tells it, this song was based on an actual event that happened when she was driving down a Nashville street and received an obscene gesture from a fellow motorist?because of the United States Marines sticker Chely had on her vehicle. Chely, who describes herself in the song as "not Republican or Democrat," is a patriot through and through, having visited and performed for troops around the world on numerous occasions.

She comes by her commitment to supporting the troops honestly. As the lyrics say, See, my brother Chris, he's been in for more than 14 years now/Our dad was in the Navy during Vietnam/Did his duty then he got out/And my grandpa earned his purple heart on the beach of Normandy/That's why I've got a sticker for the U.S. Marines, on the bumper of my SUV.

The song generates standing ovations wherever she plays it. She may never have fired a weapon in combat, but Chely continues to serve her country.