Actors Gary Sinise and Joe Mantegna will return as co-hosts of the National Memorial Day Concert, scheduled for May 24 on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.
This year's celebration will mark the 250th anniversary of the United States and honor its service members.
"We honor and remember all our American heroes, from the all-volunteer force that won our independence in the American Revolution to the over 1 million men and women who have given their lives since our nation's founding 250 years ago," Mantegna said Monday in a statement.
The event, one of PBS's highest-rated programs each year, features dramatic readings, musical performances, and documentary footage.
"Joe and I are deeply honored to co-host this 37-year tradition at the U.S. Capitol and salute those who have worn the uniform, past and present, and their families who have stood beside them," Sinise said in a statement.
Emmy Award-winning actor Noah Wyle of "The Pitt" will present a segment on the American Revolution.
Jonathan Banks, known for "Breaking Bad" and "Better Call Saul," will appear in a tribute marking the 85th anniversary of Pearl Harbor.
Oscar-winning actress Melissa Leo of "The Fighter" will present a segment marking the 25th anniversary of 9/11.
The program also will include tributes to Vietnam War veterans and Gold Star families.
Other performers include country music star Mickey Guyton; singer-songwriter Jamey Johnson, an eight-year veteran of the Marine Corps Reserve; Country Music Hall of Famer Alan Jackson; Broadway and TV star Laura Osnes; singer-songwriter Andy Grammer; stage and screen star Mary McCormack; singer-songwriter Blessing Offor; and the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of pops conductor Jack Everly, who is celebrating his 17th season with the concert.
In a tribute to members of the U.S. armed forces, the Salute to Service will feature the Joint Chiefs of Staff and service color teams.
Participants also include the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets, the U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, 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 from the Military District of Washington, and Patrick Lundy & the Ministers of Music.
The broadcast is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. ET on PBS and will be available to service members worldwide on the American Forces Network. The concert also will stream on YouTube and at pbs.org/national-memorial-day-concert and will be available on demand from May 24 to June 7.
Michael Katz ✉
Michael Katz is a Newsmax reporter with more than 30 years of experience reporting and editing on news, culture, and politics.
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