The National Memorial Day Concert takes place from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol for its 36th annual broadcast on May 25.
The event honors the courage, sacrifice and service of America’s military men and women, their families, and pays tribute to all those who have given their lives in the nation’s defense. The evening will feature powerful storytelling, musical salutes and moments of remembrance.
Tony Award-winner Joe Mantegna and Emmy Award-winner Gary Sinise - both steadfast champions of veterans' causes and active service members - are set to host the event.
“This concert is a powerful reminder of what Memorial Day truly represents," said Mantegna. "It offers comfort, connection, and community for families who have lost loved ones in service to our country, honoring their sacrifice with the dignity and gratitude they deserve."
"Joe and I are honored to host this annual tribute to our American heroes - past and present - that salutes the courage and commitment of those who have served and those who continue to serve," added Sinise. "The freedoms we enjoy are made possible by the brave men and women who wear the uniform."
This year’s concert will feature the following segments:
The event will salute the 250th anniversary of the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps to honor these service branches that have defended America even before it was a nation.
World War II 80th Anniversary – A salute to the millions of Americans who served the nation in World War II in uniform and on the home front. On the 80th anniversary of the end of the war, the concert will share the story of U.S. Marine veteran Don Graves, who fought as a flamethrower at the bloody 36-day Battle of Iwo Jima.
Gold Star Families Tribute – The concert will remember and honor fallen heroes and Gold Star Families with the poignant and inspiring story of Gold Star Wife and mother of two, Krista Simpson Anderson, whose Green Beret husband was killed in May of 2013 in Afghanistan when their sons were toddlers.
Vietnam War Dustoff Crews – The concert will honor the Army Air Ambulance Units of the Vietnam War with the story of helicopter pilot retired Col. Otis Evans. At great risk and danger under enemy fire, Evans and his crew rescued wounded troops in remote locations. Commonly called "Dustoff," their radio call sign, it is estimated that these life-saving air medevac units evacuated 900,000 casualties during the war.
This inight of remembrance will also feature performances by: country music star and wounded Army combat veteran Scotty Hasting; multi-platinum selling singer, songwriter and recording artist Loren Allred; four-time Grammy-Award Award-winning Gospel music legend Yolanda Adams; Tony Award-nominated star of stage and screen Mary McCormack; two-time Grammy Award-winning soprano Angel Blue; and the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of top pops conductor Jack Everly.
The Salute to Services features the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Service Color Teams. Also participating are members from The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets, The U.S. Army Chorus, The Soldiers' Chorus of the U.S. Army Field Band, The U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters, vocalists from the Quantico Marine Band, The U.S. Air Force Singing Sergeants, and the Armed Forces Color Guard provided by the Military District of Washington, D.C.
The concert airs live from 8 to 9:30 p.m. E.T. on PBS, as well as to troops serving around the world on American Forces Network. The concert will also be streaming on YouTube and here. It will also be available as Video on Demand, May 25 to June 8.
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.