WASHINGTON, DC (CelebrityAccess) – PBS’ National Memorial Day Concert returns live from the West Lawn of the US Capitol for a special 35th anniversary broadcast. This 90-minute event blends dramatic storytelling and uplifting music, honoring the service of our men and women in uniform, military families, and all who have sacrificed their lives for our country. Hosted by Tony Award-winner Joe Mantegna and Emmy Award-winner Gary Sinise, both dedicated advocates for veterans, the concert will air on PBS and stream nationwide on PBS’s website and YouTube on Sunday (May 26) at 8 pm ET.
Highlights
World War II Tribute: Featuring Academy Award nominee and Emmy, Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild (SAG), Tony and Olivier Award winner Bryan Cranston (Argylle, Breaking Bad, Malcolm in the Middle), this segment honors the millions who served in WWII. It focuses on the 80th anniversary of pivotal 1944 battles and the story of US Army Veteran John T. “Jack” Moran.
Gold Star Families Remembrance: With Emmy-nominated and Tony Award-winning actor/director BD Wong (Law & Order: SVU, Jurassic Park), this tribute remembers fallen heroes and Gold Star families, telling the poignant story of Vietnam Veteran and Gold Star Father Allen Hoe and his son, First Lieutenant Nainoa K. Hoe.
Honoring a Generation’s Service: Featuring Golden Globe and SAG Award-nominated actress Jena Malone (Love Lies Bleeding, The Hunger Games), this segment explores the challenges faced by veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars through the story of U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and amputee Kirstie Ennis.
This inspiring night of remembrance will also feature performances by Tony, Emmy, and Grammy winner and two-time Oscar nominee Cynthia Erivo; ACM Award-winning, multi-platinum-selling country music icon Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts; eleven-time Grammy-nominated country music singer-songwriter Jamey Johnson, who served eight years in the Marine Corps Reserve; Tony Award-nominated star of stage and screen Mary McCormack (West Wing); Tony Award-winning Broadway and TV star Ruthie Ann Miles (Sweeney Todd, The King & I); Grammy and Tony Award-winning Broadway, film and TV star Patina Miller (The Hunger Games, Madam Secretary); Patrick Lundy & the Ministers of Music; and the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of top pops conductor Jack Everly, celebrating fifteen seasons with the concert.
The Salute to Services will feature the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Service Color Teams, and members from various military bands and choruses.
“For 35 years, our mission has been to bring the country together to remember the fallen, commemorate the real meaning of the holiday, and pay tribute to generations of our American heroes and their families,” said Executive Producer Michael Colbert of Capital Concerts. “It is an honor to share this annual tradition of remembrance, healing, and community at the US Capitol.”
