Actor, Christian and athlete Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson paid tribute to America's fallen heroes at Pearl Harbor as part of the upcoming "Rock the Troops" special that will air on Spike Dec. 13 at 9 p.m. EST. During the show's production, Johnson saluted two American soldiers who survived the Pearl Harbor attack 75 years ago: Alfred Rodrigues, SKC U.S. NAVY (retired), age 96, and Herb Weatherwax, SSG U.S. ARMY (retired), age 99.
Taped on location at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii, "Rock the Troops" was hosted and co-produced by Johnson to provide a music and entertainment experience to honor, inspire and captivate the brave men and women of America's Armed Services. In fact, he promised "the single greatest, most electrifying military entertainment show the world has ever seen."
"Unforgettable moment as we all stood proudly on the hallowed grounds of Pearl Harbor where the attacks happened. Almost 50,000 U.S. troops and their families cheering so loudly and so emotionally as 99yr old Herb Weatherwax and 96yr old Alfred Rodrigues were brought out on stage," Johnson shared on his Facebook page Wednesday on the #PearlHarbor75 anniversary.
"Many tears were triggered and I'm so grateful to have shaken the hands of these two American heroes who, "held the line". Never forget December 7, 1941. The day we were attacked, but also the day our country became stronger."
As one of Hollywood's highest-paid celebrities, Johnson brought "star power" to the show, reports Military Times. Other performers include Kevin Hart, Jack Black, Terry Crews and retired Marine Rob Riggle, with music from Lynyrd Skynyrd, Nick Jonas, Flo Rida and Tenacious D, featuring Black and partner Kyle Gass.
The show was open to active-duty service members, Defense Department civilians and others with base access, according to information posted on the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Facebook page.
"My respect for our troops is boundless," Johnson conveyed in a news release, adding that his goal "was to create an event that honors our troops and their families in epic fashion."
Seven Bucks Productions, which was co-founded by Johnson, is one of the production houses behind the event. It's also behind the "Baywatch" movie reboot, starring Johnson, and the upcoming "Jumanji" sequel, starring Johnson, Hart and Black.
