The 37th annual National Memorial Day Concert airs live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol on Sunday, May 24.
Longtime champions of veterans and service members, Tony Award-winner Joe Mantegna and Emmy Award-winner Gary Sinise, will again host the event.
"Joe and I are deeply honored to co-host this 37-year tradition at the U.S. Capitol and salute those who have worn the uniform - past and present - and their families who have stood beside them," Sinise said in a release.
The annual evening of remembrance will honor 250 years of the courage and sacrifice of the nation’s military men and women and their families while paying tribute to all who have given their lives in service to the nation since 1776.
"We honor and remember all our American heroes, from the all-volunteer force that won our independence in the American Revolution to the over one million men and women who have given their lives since our nation's founding 250 years ago," Mantegna said.
The concert will feature the following segments:
1776 American Revolution - with acclaimed Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning actor/director/producer/writer Noah Wyle. The history of 1776 will come alive with a special tribute to the citizen soldiers and militia men of the 13 colonies. The experience of one of these American Revolutionary militiamen who fought for General George Washington will be shared.
WWII 85th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor - featuring renowned Emmy-nominated actor Jonathan Bank. The surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, plunged the nation into World War II. More than 2,400 American service members and civilians were killed and over 1,000 were wounded on Dec. 7, 1941, the day President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared, would "live in infamy." The 85th anniversary tribute will highlight this monumental time in American history and honor the millions of men and women who served in uniform and on the home front. Members of the Greatest Generation will be saluted on stage.
25th Anniversary Remembrance of 9/11 Attacks - with Academy Award-winning actress Melissa Leo. The shocking events of that day in New York City, over the skies of Pennsylvania and at the Pentagon will be remembered, honoring the commitment Americans made to each other to prevail over an attack on the nation. This commemoration will share the story of one of the heroes who faced the unthinkable in the rescue and recovery efforts at the Pentagon, and pay tribute to all those who died that day.
Vietnam War Veterans Tribute - The nation's military service members have looked out for those with whom they serve for 250 years. The nation's Vietnam War veterans are exemplary in their mission to not only take care of one another, but also ensure that future generations of service members and their families receive support for their service and sacrifice. The concert will pay special tribute to Vietnam War veterans, especially those wounded, ill and injured.
Gold Star Families Tribute - A moving tribute to the over one million men and women who have given their lives defending our nation since its founding 250 years ago, with poignant remembrances from Gold Star Families and the traditional playing of Taps at the U.S. Capitol to honor America's fallen heroes.
The night of remembrance will also feature performances by: four-time Grammy nominated country music star Mickey Guyton; 10-time Grammy-nominated country music singer-songwriter Jamey Johnson, who served eight years in the Marine Corps Reserve; award-winning, multi-platinum selling Country Music Hall of Fame member Alan Jackson from the famed Ryman Auditorium in Nashville; two-time Tony Award-nominated Broadway and television star Laura Osnes; Emmy Award-winning, multi-platinum singer, songwriter Andy Grammer; Tony Award-nominated star of stage and screen Mary McCormack; two-time Grammy nominated and two-time DOVE Award-winning singer-songwriter Blessing Offor; and the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of top pops conductor Jack Everly, who is celebrating his 17th season with the concert.
In tribute to all the members of our armed forces, the annual audience favorite 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 Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, The U.S. Army Chorus, The Soldiers' Chorus of the U.S. Army Field Band, The U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters, The U.S. Air Force Singing Sergeants, the Armed Forces Color Guard provided by the Military District of Washington, D.C. and Patrick Lundy & The Ministers of Music.
The concert airs from 8 to 9:30 p.m. E.T. on PBS, and is seen by service members around the world on American Forces Network. The concert will also be streaming on YouTube. It is also available as Video on Demand, May 24 to June 7, 2026.
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.
