In honor of its 35th anniversary, PBS’ National Memorial Day Concert will be held on May 26, featuring hosts Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise. The event, which takes place on the west lawn of the Capitol, is dedicated to honoring members of the military and their families through music and storytelling.
Several segments are planned for the concert, including a tribute to World War II featuring Bryan Cranston and highlighting U.S. Army veteran John T. “Jack” Moran. There will also be a remembrance of Gold Star families, with BD Wong sharing the story of Vietnam veteran Allen Hoe and his family’s legacy of service.
Another segment will focus on the challenges faced by veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, featuring U.S. Marine Corps veteran Kirstie Ennis. The concert will also feature performances by Cynthia Erivo, Gary LeVox, and others, as well as a Salute to Services with the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Service Color Teams.
The concert will be broadcast on PBS and the American Forces Network, as well as streamed online. It is a co-production of Michael Colbert of Capital Concerts and WETA, Washington, D.C., dedicated to honoring members of the military and their families through music and storytelling for its 35th anniversary on May 26th on west lawn of Capitol Hill .