This Memorial Day weekend, PBS brings viewers an inspiring night of remembrance dedicated to our men and women in uniform, their families at home and all those who have given their lives for our country.
The multi award-winning NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT returns live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol co-hosted by Tony Award-winner Joe Mantegna and Emmy Award-winner Gary Sinise. The 26th annual broadcast airs live on PBS Sunday, May 24, 2015, from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m., before a concert audience of hundreds of thousands, millions more at home, as well as to our troops serving around the world on the American Forces Network.
The broadcast marks the tenth anniversary that the acclaimed actors, who have dedicated themselves to veterans’ causes and supporting our troops in active service, co-host the event. The NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT will showcase our courageous American heroes who have been disabled for life; shine a spotlight on Gold Star Children who have lost a parent to war; and commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II.
Opening the show with a special performance of the “National Anthem” will be Nick Fradiani, the winner of AMERICAN IDOL Season 14. The all-star line-up also includes: distinguished American leader General Colin L. Powell USA (Ret.); seven-time Grammy Award-winner and international superstar Gloria Estefan; Emmy Award-winning actor Laurence Fishburne; actor/producer/director Esai Morales; THE VOICE season five winner Tessanne Chin; acclaimed film and television actress Stefanie Scott (INSIDIOUS: CHAPTER 3; JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS); actor/musician Jason Dolley; Tony Award-winning actress and singer Laura Benanti; the world’s most prolific classical cross-over artist Katherine Jenkins; and world renowned tenor Russell Watson in performance with the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of top pops conductor Jack Everly.
