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The 2021 National Memorial Day Concert: A Tradition Of Reverent Remembrance

Memorial Day Concert
Image: PBS

Watch a special presentation of the National Memorial Day Concert on PBS, hosted by Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise. With all-star performances and tributes from Washington, D.C. and around the country, the 32nd annual event will continue to honor our men and women in uniform, their families at home and all those who have given their lives for our country.

The National Memorial Day Concert airs on VPM PBS, Sunday, May 30, 2021, from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. and will be live streamed on PBS.org, YouTube and Facebook.

A 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 the National Symphony Orchestra and guest artists. The 2021 National Memorial Day Concert will share the following stories:


  • Vietnam Nurses Tribute – performed by Emmy Award-winning actress Kathy Baker
  • 70th Anniversary of the Korean War – portrayed by Emmy Award-winning actor Joe Morton
  • 20th Anniversary of 9/11 and Gold Star Families – featuring Emmy Award-winning actor Steve Buscemi, acclaimed actresses Mary McCormack and Bailee Madison

America’s national night of remembrance features: distinguished American statesman General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret); “Empress of Soul” and seven-time Grammy Award-winner Gladys Knight; country music superstar and 22-time Grammy Award-winner Vince Gill; Grammy Award-winner, Tony and Emmy Award-nominated singer, songwriter, actress and author Sara Bareilles; multi-platinum selling country music icon and Grammy, CMA and ACM Award-winner Alan Jackson; Emmy and Grammy Award-winning international mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves; Motown legends and Rock and Roll Hall of Famers The Four Tops; Broadway, film and television star Brian d’Arcy James; the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of top pops conductor Jack Everly; a new special edition of annual audience favorite Salute to Services with the Joint Chiefs of Staff from the Pentagon; and a special message from General Mark A. Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Country music star and Grammy-nominee Mickey Guyton will open the show with a special performance of the national anthem.

Memorial Day Interactive: Wall of Remembrance
Who would you like to remember? Visit the National Memorial Day Concert Wall of Remembrance and submit a tribute to loved ones and friends who have served in our nation's military. Share Your Story

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