National Memorial Day Concert 2014

PBS’s "National Memorial Day Concert," the iconic event that has become a national tradition, will mark its 25th anniversary with a special tribute to our men and women in uniform, their families at home and all those who have given their lives for our country. Live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, the inspiring night of remembrance will offer veterans from Afghanistan the grateful thanks of our nation, commemorate the 70th anniversary of World War II’s D-Day invasion on the beaches of Normandy, and look back at the stories of service and sacrifice featured throughout the years during the annual concert.

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The 25th anniversary of this annual concert features a performance by country music sensation and THE VOICE 2013 winner Danielle Bradbery.

Courtesy of PBS

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The 25th anniversary of this annual concert features a performance by renowned tenor Anthony Kearns.

Courtesy of PBS

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Grammy Award-winning country music artist Jennifer Nettles joins the line-up for the 25th anniversary broadcast of the "National Memorial Day Concert."

Courtesy of James Minchin

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Caleb Johnson, the newly crowned Season 13 winner of AMERICAN IDOL, will continue what has become tradition: performing the “National Anthem” to open the annual "National Memorial Day Concert." The 25th broadcast of the concert marks Johnson’s first live television performance since the AMERICAN IDOL finale on May 21.

Couresy of PBS

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The 25th anniversary of this annual concert features a performance by musical prodigy and classical crossover star Jackie Evancho.

Courtesy of PBS

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Top pops conductor Jack Everly will conduct the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) for the 2014 "National Memorial Day Concert."

Courtesy of Michael Tammaro

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Acclaimed actor Gary Sinise (CSI: NY) returns for the ninth year to co-host the 2014 "National Memorial Day Concert." Sinise has dedicated himself to veterans' causes and supporting the troops in active service.

Courtesy of PBS

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Co-host Joe Mantegna has received critical acclaim for his award-winning and highly praised performances on stage and in numerous film and television productions. This year marks the ninth time that Mantegna leads the "National Memorial Day Concert" alongside Gary Sinise.

Courtesy of PBS

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Army Ranger Kris Stonesifer was the first to die in battle in Afghanistan. His loss inspired his mother, Ruth Stonesifer, to become involved with Gold Star Mothers, helping other families with their grief.

Courtesy of Ruth Stonesifer

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Ruth Stonesifer’s son Kris, an Army Ranger, was the first to die in battle in Afghanistan. His service inspired her to become actively involved with Gold Star Mothers, helping other mothers with their loss, grief and healing as they move forward with their lives. Ruth’s story will be featured in this year’s "National Memorial Day Concert."

Courtesy of Ruth Stonesifer

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The Color Guard stands proudly before the U.S. Capitol.

Courtesy of Capital Concerts

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A bugler stands proudly before the U.S. Capitol during the broadcast of the nation's premier Memorial Day event.

Courtesy of Capital Concerts

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The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets.

Courtesy of Capital Concerts

Courtesy of Ruth Stonesifer

Courtesy of Ruth Stonesifer

The multi award-winning program airs on PBS Sunday, May 25, 2014, from 8 p.m. 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. An immediate encore airs from 9:30-11 p.m. on PBS.

The "National Memorial Day Concert" will be co-hosted for the ninth year by Tony Award-winner Joe Mantegna and Emmy Award-winner Gary Sinise, acclaimed actors who have dedicated themselves to veterans’ causes and supporting our troops in active service.

They will be joined by an all-star line-up including distinguished American leader Colin L. Powell USA (Ret.); two-time Academy and Emmy Award-winning actress Dianne Wiest; country music sensation and THE VOICE 2013 winner Danielle Bradbery; Broadway and television star Megan Hilty; Grammy Award-winning country music artist Jennifer Nettles; musical prodigy and classical crossover star Jackie Evancho; and world-renowned tenor Anthony Kearns; in performance with the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of top pops conductor Jack Everly (additional artists to be announced).

As the war in Afghanistan winds down, the program will recognize our service men and women with a special “Welcome Home” to thank veterans who served in Afghanistan, including a musical salute and featuring a story about a critically wounded veteran suffering from severe physical injuries and the grave invisible wounds of war. Also, hear the story of a mother coping with grief after the death of her son, the first to die in Afghanistan. His service inspired her to become actively involved with Gold Star Mothers. Now she is helping other mothers with their loss, grief and healing as they move forward with their lives.

The 70th anniversary of the D-Day invasion of the Normandy beaches of France will be commemorated in 2014, a seminal moment that turned the tides of war in favor of the Allies. World War II veterans who participated in the D-Day invasion will be honored and featured in this tribute to the sacrifices of our nation’s Greatest Generation.

The "National Memorial Day Concert" will mark its 25th anniversary in 2014 with a reflection of the many stories of service and sacrifice featured throughout the years that have brought us together as one family of Americans to pay tribute to those who defend our freedom. Also participating in the event are the U.S Joint Chiefs of Staff with 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.

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