The National Memorial Day Concert honors our country’s veterans, service men and women and military families. The concert unites the country in remembrance and appreciation of those who gave their lives for our nation and serves those who are grieving through the mission put forward by Abraham Lincoln in his second inaugural address, “Let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation’s wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan.”

For over 30 years, this multi-award-winning television event, featuring uplifting musical performances, documentary footage and dramatic readings, has become an American tradition and is one of PBS’ highest-rated programs. On the broadcast, celebrities share real-life stories spanning the broad history of our nation’s military conflicts, award winning musicians perform songs in tribute to our country’s true heroes and the finest performers from the United States premier military choirs and ensembles are featured.

The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Joint Chiefs of Staff also participate in the concert, offering their leadership perspective on the value and honor of military service and acknowledging the challenges that veterans and their families face.

Performers:

Joe Mantegna:

Joe was awarded the Tony and Joseph Jefferson Award for his acclaimed performance as Richard Roma in David Mamet's Pulitzer Prize-winning play Glengarry Glen Ross. Some of Joe’s film and television highlights are House of Games, Searching for Bobby Fisher, Godfather III, and his Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated role of Dean Martin in The Ratpack.

Gary Sinise:

Gary Sinise’s stage, film and television career has spanned more than four decades. In 1974, at 18 years old, he co-founded Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre Company where he served as Artistic Director for seven years. Now in its fifth decade as a professional theatre company, Steppenwolf has received national and international recognition from the media, theatre critics and audiences alike.

Mary McCormack:

Mary McCormack is one of today’s boldest and most versatile actresses, working in film, television and on stage. Tony-nominated for her role in Broadway’s Boeing-Boeing opposite Mark Rylance, she is also widely known for her four seasons as a regular cast member of The West Wing (two SAG Award nominations), and as the lead of USA’s critically acclaimed In Plain Sight.

Jack Everly:

Jack Everly is the Principal Pops Conductor of the Indianapolis and Baltimore Symphony Orchestras, Naples Philharmonic Orchestra and the National Arts Centre Orchestra (Ottawa). He has conducted the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl, The New York Pops at Carnegie Hall and The Cleveland Orchestra at Blossom Music Center.

The National Symphony Orchestra:

The 2022–2023 season marks the National Symphony Orchestra’s 92nd season, and Gianandrea Noseda’s sixth season as its music director. The Italian conductor serves as the Orchestra’s seventh music director, joining the NSO’s legacy of such distinguished leaders as Christoph Eschenbach, Leonard Slatkin, Mstislav Rostropovich, Antal Doráti, Howard Mitchell, and Hans Kindler. Its artistic leadership also includes Principal Pops Conductor Steven Reineke and Artistic Advisor Ben Folds.

The Military District of Washington (MDW):

The Military District of Washington works with Capital Concerts in coordinating the Department of Defense participation of the Premier Service Bands and Service Honor Guards.

The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets:

The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets are the official fanfare ensemble for the President of the United States. Founded in 1959 and patterned after traditional British "fanfare" trumpet ensembles, the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets were formed to add pageantry to official military ceremonies. A performing element of the U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own" in Washington, DC.

The U.S. Army Chorus:

In 1956, The U.S. Army Chorus was established as the vocal counterpart of The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own.” From its inception, the 34-member chorus has established and maintained a reputation of excellence in the performance of choral literature. Members of the Army Chorus, most of whom hold advanced degrees in music, are selected from among the nation’s finest musicians.

The U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters:

The U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters chorus performs a variety of music including traditional choral music, sea chanteys, patriotic fare, opera, Broadway and contemporary music. The chorus is frequently found at the center of our most important national events.

The U.S. Air Force Singing Sergeants:

The Singing Sergeants, the official chorus of the U.S. Air Force, is one of the world’s most versatile and traveled choral organizations. Originally formed in 1945 from within the ranks of the U.S. Air Force Band, the chorus is now composed entirely of professional vocalists from leading colleges and universities throughout the world, who are all sergeants in the U.S. Air Force.

The Soldiers’ Chorus of the United States Army Field Band:

Founded in 1957, the Soldiers’ Chorus is the vocal component of The United States Army Field Band of Washington, DC. This 23-member mixed chorus travels throughout the nation and abroad, performing both independently and jointly with the Concert Band.