An American Tradition Honoring Our Servicemen and Women

pbs.org/memorial day concert

On the eve of Memorial Day, a star-studded line-up will grace the stage for one of PBS’ highest-rated programs. The multi award-winning television event has truly become an American tradition, honoring the military service and sacrifice of all our men and women in uniform, their families at home and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

The program is co-hosted for the seventh year by Tony Award-winner Joe Mantegna (“Criminal Minds”) and Emmy Award-winner Gary Sinise (“CSI: New York”), two acclaimed actors who have dedicated themselves to veteran’s causes and supporting troops in active service. They will be joined by an all-star line-up including: distinguished American leader Colin L. Powell USA (Ret.); the multi-platinum rock band Daughtry; nine-time Grammy award-winner, singer and songwriter Natalie Cole; country music superstar Trace Adkins; “American Idol” finalist Jessica Sanchez; Emmy, Oscar and Tony award-winning actress Ellen Burstyn; Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning actor and Vietnam veteran Dennis Franz; celebrated film and television actress Selma Blair; and world renowned tenor Russell Watson; in performance with the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of top pops conductor Jack Everly.

The concert is broadcast live on PBS and live via American Forces Network to the nearly one million American service men and women, Department of Defense civilians and their families overseas, stationed at bases in 175 countries, as well as 140 U.S. Navy ships at sea.

Program Sponsors

The “National Memorial Day Concert” is sponsored by Lockheed Martin Corporation and is made possible by the National Park Service, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the Department of the Army, General Dynamics, and public television stations nationwide. All travel is provided by American Airlines.