National Symphony Orchestra: Memorial Day Concert

FREE! PBS remembers the sacrifices of America's veterans with a Memorial Day concert at the U.S. Capitol featuring the NSO and many other special guests.

• May 25, 2008 at 8:00 PM
• US Capitol Building - West Lawn

Remind Me | About the Program

About the Program

National Symphony Orchestra
Erich Kunzel, conductor
West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol
Sunday, May 25, 2008, 8 - 9:30 p.m.
Gates open at 5 p.m.

FREE, no tickets required

As the war in Iraq and Afghanistan wages on, PBS unites our nation with the award-winning National Memorial Day Concert honoring the service and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform, their families at home and all of those who have given their lives for our country.

The event, which has become the memorial service for our entire nation, is co-hosted for the third year by Gary Sinise (CSI: New York) and Tony Award winner Joe Mantegna (Criminal Minds), two acclaimed actors who have dedicated themselves to veteran's causes and supporting our troops in active service.

The top-rated show will be broadcast live on PBS from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol on Sunday, May 25, 2008 from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. ET (check local listings) before a concert audience of 300,000 and millions more at home, as well as to our troops serving around the world on the American Forces Radio and Television Network.
This year, the event will pay special tribute to the veterans of World War II, Korea and Vietnam and the sacred war memorials built in their honor in our nation's capital. Actor, highly decorated World War II veteran and 14-year National Memorial Day Concert participant Charles Durning will also be recognized for his bravery and sacrifice as part of the "greatest generation" who stepped forward in a time of need. And, the valor of our newest veterans will be honored as we examine the bonds that buddies form on the battlefields of Afghanistan.
 
Joining co-hosts Sinise and Mantegna is an all-star line-up of dignitaries, actors, and musical artists, including: multiple Grammy Award–winning Motown legend Gladys Knight; classical crossover soprano and star of the stage Sarah Brightman; General Colin L. Powell USA (Ret.); Best Actress Tony Award winner Idina Menzel (Wicked, Rent); actor and comedian Denis Leary (Rescue Me); distinguished actor Charles Durning; country music star Rodney Atkins; actor and singer John Schneider; actress Gail O'Grady (American Dreams, Boston Legal); and film and television actress Caitlin Wachs; in performance with the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of maestro Erich Kunzel, recipient of the 2006 National Medal of Arts. The U.S Joint Chiefs of Staff will also participate in the event along with The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets, The U.S. Army Ceremonial Band, The Soldiers Chorus of the U.S. Army Field Band, The Master Chorale of Washington, an Armed Forces Color Guard and Service Flags from each branch of the armed services provided by the Military District of Washington, D.C.

A newly designed Web site features a comprehensive guide to this year's concert and a special remembrance area where veterans and their families can send eulogies for their loved ones and friends to be delivered to the national memorials in Washington, D.C.

The National Memorial Day Concert is made possible by grants from the National Park Service, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the Department of the Army, National Endowment for the Arts, and public television stations nationwide.

Air travel is provided by American Airlines.

Rehearsal is on Saturday, May 24th at 7:30 p.m. The only way this rehearsal will be cancelled is if there is violent weather.

For further details call (202) 619-7222.

All events and artists subject to change without prior notice.

Group of 20 or more? Contact Group Sales for special terms.

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