Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise to Co-Host National Memorial Day Concert

On the eve of Memorial Day, the 24th annual National Memorial Day Concert will bring to life the moving stories of America's servicemen and women who have given so much to preserve America's freedoms. The inspiring television event will pay tribute to the profound heroism of all who served during World War II, salute the valor of our Korean War veterans, and honor the sacrifices of our National Guard heroes and their families.

The multi award-winning program will be co-hosted for the eighth year by Tony Award-winner Joe Mantegna (Criminal Minds) and Emmy Award-winner Gary Sinise (CSI:New York), two acclaimed actors who have dedicated themselves to veterans causes and supporting our troops in active service. Opening the show, with a special performance of the National Anthem will be the season 12 winner of American Idol, who will be crowned May 16. The all-star line-up also includes: distinguished American leader Colin L. Powell USA (Ret.); two-time Golden Globe award-winning actor Ed Harris; Dancing with the Stars finalist and classical cross-over artist Katherine Jenkins; singer-songwriter and The Voice finalist Chris Mann; and acclaimed Tony award-winning tenor Alfie Boe; in performance with the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of top pops conductor Jack Everly. This American tradition will air live on PBS Sunday, May 26, 2013, from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m., from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol 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.

The 2013 NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT will feature:

• The moving story of twin brothers who served in Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan with the National Guard, that focuses on how multiple deployments tragically can impact both those who serve as well as their family members;
• A tribute to the Greatest Generation featuring the stirring remembrances of decorated World War II veteran Charles Durning, the renowned actor and longtime contributor to the NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT, who passed away last December; and
• On the 60 th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice, the broadcast will honor the profound sacrifices of the proud veterans who fought and perished in this "forgotten war."

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.

The broadcast will be supported by a comprehensive social media campaign and resource-rich website at www.pbs.org/memorialdayconcert. Highlights will include: a "Virtual Wall of Remembrance" where viewers can share tributes to our veterans and fallen heroes; plus suggestions on what you can do to support veterans and their loved ones; as well as resources for service members and their families.

The program is a co-production of Jerry Colbert of Capital Concerts and WETA, Washington, D.C. Executive producer Jerry Colbert and producer Michael Colbert have assembled an award-winning production team that features the top Hollywood talent behind some of television's most prestigious entertainment awards shows. The team includes: Emmy award-winning producer Walter C. Miller, whose credits include the GRAMMY AWARDS and COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS; and award-winning director Paul Miller whose credits include THE COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS and SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE.

Photo Credit: www.pbs.org

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