Anthony Kearns to Perform at WWII Memorial for V-J Day on Labor Day, 9/2

The Friends of the National World War II Memorial (Friends) and the National Park Service (NPS) will pay tribute to the Greatest Generation during a special event at the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. on Monday, September 2, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. commemorating the 68th anniversary of the Allied Forces Victory in the Pacific and the end of World War II.

The V-J Day ceremony will celebrate the spirit of unity of the American people during this pivotal moment in our nation's history and give recognition to all World War II veterans, especially those who fought in the Pacific Theater during the war, as well as all those who served on the home front.

Retired Army Major General John P. Herrling will give remarks and present a wreath at the Freedom Wall along with veterans from World War II. General Herrling served as Secretary of the American Battle Monuments Commission from 1995-2005, during which time he oversaw the efforts to fund and build the National World War II Memorial.

Representing NPS - the caretakers of the Memorial - will be Steve Lorenzetti, Deputy Superintendent of the National Mall and Memorial Parks. Friend's board member Jan Evans Houser will act as the Mistress of Ceremonies.

World-renowned Tenor Anthony Kearns will be the guest soloist for this special event, accompanied by Jon Laird on piano. Mr. Kearns is the original founding member of The Irish Tenors, with whom he has ten best-selling CDs and 5 PBS Specials. Kearns is a frequent performer on television and with the finest symphony orchestras and opera houses in Europe and America. He recently opened the televised National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C. and performed with the U.S. Army Chorus at a pre-Inaugural Brunch hosted by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Martin Dempsey. In November, 2012, he sang with the Air Force Band during a Veterans' Day Special on PBS. He is a member of The GRAMMYs (The Recording Academy).

The United States Army Band Brass Quintet "Pershing's Own" will play throughout the ceremony. The ceremony will begin with the posting of colors by the Military District of Washington's Armed Forces Color Guard and, following remarks by honored guests and wreath layings, will conclude with the playing of Taps.

About The Friends of the National World War II Memorial, Inc.: Founded in 2007, the Friends of the National World War II Memorial is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to ensuring that the legacy, lessons, and sacrifices of World War II are not forgotten and enhancing the educational experience for visitors to the National World War II Memorial in Washington, DC. The nonprofit organization was established by former American Battle Monuments Commission members, who were responsible for implementing a Congressional mandate to recommend a site and a design and to fund and build the National World War II Memorial. They were concerned with making the Memorial all that it was intended to be by its planners: an open, welcoming, gathering place on the National Mall; a place of reverent remembrance; and a place to honor and celebrate the spirit of America during World War II. With growing private support, the cooperation of the National Park Service, the Military District of Washington, and others, these hopes are being realized.

Photo by Genevieve Rafter Keddy

Mr. Kearns' appearance was arranged by Kirsten Fedewa & Assoc. L.L.C.