Where to watch the National Memorial Day Concert: When is it and who is performing?
The annual event is an opportunity to give thanks to those who serve their country every day. This year the show will pay respect to General Colin Powell.
The National Memorial Day Concert will take place in Washington, DC this weekend, with an all-star line-up of performers including the National Symphony Orchestra.
The show will begin at 8pm (ET) on Sunday, 29 May and will be broadcast live on PBS, the PBS Video app and available to stream on YouTube. If you are unable to watch the show live, there will be a repeat at 9:30pm (ET). It will then be available to stream on-demand until 12 June
The 90-minute event will be hosted by Tony Award-winner Joe Mantegna and Emmy Award-winner Gary Sinise and will honour all who have served their country and their families. Both Mantegna and Sinise have dedicated much of their life to supporting veterans’ causes.
Who is performing at National Memorial Day Concert?
As well from Sinise and Mantega, there will be a number of big names appearing. Dennis Haysbert will star in a attribute to General Colin Powell, the former Secretary of State and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff who died last year.
Mary McCormack will perform in a segment honouring the sacrifices made and duties carried out by women in World War II. There will also be performances by Lea Salonga, Norm Lewis, Craig Morgan, Rhiannon Giddens, Brian Stokes Mitchell and Pia Toscano.
Viewers will also see performances from the armed services’ own musical ensembles: The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets, The U.S. Army Chorus, The Soldiers’ Chorus of the U.S. Army Field Band, The U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters, The U.S. Air Force Singing Sergeants, the Armed Forces Color Guard and Service Color Teams provided by the Military District of Washington, D.C.
What else will be included in the National Memorial Day Concert?
The annual event has been going for more than three decades and brings the real focus of the Memorial Day celebration to the forefront. The musical performances are interspersed with deeply personal accounts and inspirational stories from those who have served, and continue to serve, their country.
Here’s a few of the segments planned for this weekend’s event:
- General Colin Powell Remembrance
- Generations of Service
- Honoring Gold Star Families
- Women in WWII Tribute
- Medal of Honor Tribute
- Lincoln Memorial 100th Anniversary