A special 2020 National Memorial Day Concert will be hosted by Tony Award winner Joe Mantegna and Emmy Award winner Gary Sinise, with new performances and tributes filmed around the country honoring American heroes.
Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the traditional live concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol will not be held to ensure the health and safety of all involved. However, this special presentation featuring new and relevant content for these times and iconic show segments will celebrate heroes who are doing so much in the current fight against COVID-19, while continuing to honor and remember American troops, veterans, wounded warriors, all those who have given their lives for our nation, and their families.
Where to Watch
The concert premieres on Sunday, May 24, 2020 at 8 p.m. on CPTV, immediately encoring at 9:30 p.m.
It will also encore on Monday, May 25, 2020 at 8:30 p.m. on CPTV Spirit.
In addition, it will stream on this page in the video player below, as well as on Facebook, YouTube, and pbs.org/national-memorial-day-concert, and will be available as Video on Demand, May 24 to June 7, 2020.
More About the Program
America’s national night of remembrance will feature new appearances and performances by distinguished American statesman General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret); Tony, Emmy, and Grammy winner and two-time Oscar nominee Cynthia Erivo; world-renowned four-time Grammy Award-winning soprano superstar Renée Fleming; country music star and Grammy-nominated member of the Grand Ole Opry Trace Adkins; Grammy Award-winning gospel legend CeCe Winans; Tony Award-winning Broadway star Kelli O’Hara; Tony Award-nominated actress Mary McCormack; members of the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of top pops conductor Jack Everly; and a special message from General Mark A. Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Broadway and television star Christopher Jackson will open the show with a poignant performance of the national anthem. The broadcast will also feature performances from previous concerts by Academy Award-nominated actor Sam Elliott; Oscar nominee and Emmy and Tony Award winner Laurence Fishburne; and actor/producer/director Esai Morales.
Woven throughout the program will be messages from prominent guest artists of thanks and support for active-duty military, National Guard and Reserve and their families, veterans, and Gold Star families along with first responders, doctors, nurses, grocery clerks, truck drivers, postal workers — all those who are on the front lines, putting their lives at risk now in the fight against coronavirus.
Hosts Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise will also share powerful segments that highlight stories of generations of ordinary Americans who stepped forward and served America with extraordinary valor in its most challenging times.
Also participating in new and past selected performances are members from the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets, the U.S. Army Chorus, the U.S. Army Voices and Downrange, the Soldiers’ Chorus of the U.S. Army Field Band, the U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters, the U.S. Air Force Singing Sergeants, and Service Color Teams provided by the Military District of Washington, D.C.