On the eve of Memorial Day, a star-studded lineup will grace the stage for the 25th National Memorial Day Concert, featuring uplifting musical performances, documentary footage, and dramatic readings that honor all Americans who have sacrificed for our country.
The 2018 concert will share the story of Korean War veterans Joe Annello and Hiroshi “Hershey” Miyamura – dear friends now for 68 years – who helped each other survive deadly combat during the Korean War, endured the unimaginable as POWs and became American heroes. To mark the 70th anniversary of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act, the concert will also pay tribute to the contributions of women in our military throughout history, including the story of Silver Star recipient Leigh Ann Hester, the 1st woman to receive the Silver Star for combat. In recognition of the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Khe Sanh, the show will feature the story of Bill Rider, who was part of the Marine battalion known as “The Walking Dead.” As a part of the healing process, Bill found a way to pay it forward by dedicating his life to helping generations of service men and women who have experienced the trauma of war. The all-star line-up also features distinguished American leader General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.) and performances by Academy Award, Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning actress Allison Janney; three-time Grammy Award nominee Leona Lewis; Academy Award nominated actor Graham Greene; Tony-nominated actress Mary McCormack; Emmy, Golden Globe and SAG Award-nominated actor John Corbett; film and television actor Brian Tee; actor and country singer Charles Esten; Tony, Grammy and Emmy Award-winning actress and singer Cynthia Erivo; Tony-nominee Megan Hilty; acclaimed tenor and Broadway star Alfie Boe; and Gary Sinise & The Lt. Dan Band, marking 15 years and over 400 concerts entertaining our troops, veterans and military families; in performance with the National Symphony Orchestraunder the direction of top pops conductor Jack Everly. "The Voice" Season 14 finalist Spensha Baker will open the show with a special performance of the national anthem. Also participating in the event are the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff with The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets, T
The National Memorial Day Concert returns live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol for a special 30th anniversary broadcast hosted by Tony Award-winner Joe Mantegna and Tony-nominated actress Mary McCormack. A 30-year tradition unlike anything else on television, America’s national night of remembrance takes us back to the real meaning of the holiday. 2019 marks the 75th anniversary of the D-Day invasion. Through the eyes of a highly-decorated combat medic who landed in the first wave on Omaha Beach, the concert will pay tribute to the heroes who sacrificed and died in service to our nation and the world. The concert will share the story of two infantrymen who formed a brotherhood while serving in Vietnam and now meet each year at the Wall. A special 50th anniversary commemoration honors the service and sacrifice of veterans of the Vietnam War. For Gold Star families, every day is Memorial Day. This year, the concert will share one widow’s journey, beginning with the day her worst fears came true. While she could never “move on” from this devastating loss, she knew that for the sake of her daughter she would have to learn to move forward. Along the way, she found solace and empowerment in helping other widows and widowers. The all-star line-up also features: distinguished American leader General Colin L. Powell USA (Ret.); Academy Award-nominated actor Sam Elliott; Grammy Award-winning legend Patti LaBelle; multi-platinum selling singer, performer and songwriter Gavin DeGraw; acclaimed actor Dennis Haysbert; Broadway and television star Christopher Jackson (Hamilton,Bull); multi-Grammy Award-winning bluegrass icon Alison Krauss; SAG and Olivier Award-winning and Grammy Award-nominated actress and singer Amber Riley (Glee, Dreamgirls); platinum-selling country music star Justin Moore; television star Jaina Lee Ortiz; and Patrick Lundy & The Ministers of Music; in performance with the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of top pops conduct
The 2020 National Memorial Day Concert paid tribute to the men and women who are doing so much for all of us in the current fight against COVID-19, and continued the 31 year tradition of honoring and remembering our troops, veterans, wounded warriors, all those who have given their lives for freedom, and their families. Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the traditional live concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol was not held to ensure the health and safety of all involved. Tony Award-winner Joe Mantegna and Emmy Award-winner Gary Sinise co-hosted a special presentation of the National Memorial Day Concert with new performances and tributes filmed around the country and featuring some of the most iconic and powerful segments from past concerts highlighting stories of generations of ordinary Americans who stepped forward and served our country with extraordinary valor in its most challenging times. Woven throughout the program were messages from prominent guest artists with words of thanks and support for those who have served and sacrificed for our nation.
A three decades-long tradition unlike anything else on television, this deeply moving and reverential night takes us back to the real meaning of the holiday through personal stories interwoven with musical performances by the National Symphony Orchestra and guest artists.