PBS' NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT returns for a live
presentation from Washington, D.C. hosted 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. Featuring all-star musical performances and tributes, the
90-minute broadcast of the 33rd annual NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT
will air on PBS and stream on YouTube and www.pbs.org/national-memorial-day-concert on Sunday,
May 29, 2022 at 8:00 p.m. E.T., honoring our men and women in uniform,
veterans, their families and all those who have given their lives for our
country.
Experience the interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8676255-national-memorial-day-concert-pbs-2022/
A more than three decades long tradition unlike anything else on television,
this deeply moving and reverential night takes us back to the real meaning of
the holiday through personal stories interwoven with musical performances by
top stars with the National Symphony Orchestra. The 2022 NATIONAL
MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT will include the following segments:
- General Colin L. Powell Remembrance – featuring acclaimed actor Dennis
Haysbert (24, MAJOR LEAGUE).
The concert will honor the memory and legacy of General Colin L. Powell,
USA (Ret.). For over a quarter of a century, General Powell was an
important part of the NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT, speaking
to the nation about the sacred meaning of Memorial Day, reminding us of
the debt owed to all those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of
our liberty and freedom, and calling on the nation to help and support
those who served and their families.
- Generations of Service – portrayed by award-winning actor Gil Birmingham
(YELLOWSTONE, WIND RIVER).
In tribute to the over 58,000 American lives lost in the Vietnam War and
those who served during the Vietnam era, the concert will share the story
of combat medic Francis Whitebird, a young warrior from a Lakota family
with generations of military service. Whitebird's uncle fought in World
War I, his father was a Lakota Code Talker during World War II, and both
his sons served in the Iraq War. During two tours in Vietnam, Whitebird
endured combat losses and saved lives, received a Purple heart, and forged
bonds of friendship that have lasted a lifetime. Francis Whitebird will be
honored for his service to his fellow soldiers and to our country.
- Honoring Gold Star Families – with multi-Emmy Award-winning actress Jean Smart (HACKS,
MARE OF EASTTOWN) and Joe Mantegna.
Each year, the concert remembers the fallen and their grieving families.
In 2022, we share the story of Maj. General Mark Graham, USA (Ret.) and
his wife Carol, who in under eight months suffered the loss of their two
sons. 2LT Jeff Graham, killed in Iraq by an IED blast and Senior ROTC
Cadet Kevin Graham, who lost his battle with depression. Their sons died
fighting different battles, but both dedicated their lives to serving the
nation. The Graham's story shares their journey through grief, healing and
their decision to spend their lives helping others receive mental health
and other critical support.
- Women in WWII Tribute
– featuring Tony Award-nominated star of stage and television Mary
McCormack (HEELS, WEST WING).
The concert will honor and remember the women who served the nation in
uniform and on the home front in World War II in a tribute to these unsung
heroes of the Greatest Generation, with several of these trailblazing
women taking part in the segment.
- Medal of Honor Tribute - featuring Gary Sinise.
A tribute to the heroism, sacrifice and dedication of our Medal of Honor
recipients - the nation's highest award for valor in combat - will feature
the participation of living recipients.
- Lincoln Memorial 100th anniversary - featuring Gary Sinise.
The concert will mark the 100th anniversary of the Lincoln Memorial on the
National Mall, built in tribute to President Lincoln. His Gettysburg
Address spoken in honor of those who gave their last full measure of
devotion, was foundational to the nation's commemoration of Memorial Day.
The national night of remembrance will also feature performances by:
multiple award-winning actress and singer Lea Salonga (MISS SAIGON,
MULAN); Emmy, Grammy, Tony and SAG Award-nominated actor Norm Lewis
(PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, SCANDAL); chart topping country music singer
songwriter and U.S. Army veteran Craig Morgan; Grammy-winning singer Rhiannon
Giddens; Tony Award-winning Broadway star Brian Stokes Mitchell; acclaimed
singer and AMERICAN IDOL alum Pia Toscano; the National
Symphony Orchestra under the direction of top pops conductor Jack Everly;
annual audience favorite Salute to Services with the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Also participating are members from 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.
The NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT airs on PBS Sunday, May
29, 2022, from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. E.T., as well as to our troops
serving around the world on the American Forces Network. The concert will
also be streaming on YouTube and www.pbs.org/national-memorial-day-concert and available
as Video on Demand, May 29 to June 12, 2022.
Underwriters
The NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT is pleased to welcome back
the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, a nonprofit
educational organization honoring the achievements of outstanding individuals
and ensuring the American dream for future generations through one of the
nation's largest privately-funded, need-based scholarship programs. The Association,
which is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2022, has awarded over
$253 million to more than 35,000 students since the establishment of its
scholarship program in 1984.
The concert is also made possible by grants from: the National Park Service,
the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the Department of the Army, General
Dynamics, PBS and public television stations nationwide. Air travel is
provided by American Airlines.
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