Communiqué
The 34rd annual broadcast of America’s national night of remembrance “The National Memorial Day Concert” – May 28 at 8 and 9:30 pm
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HONORING OUR SERVICEMEN AND WOMEN
The National Memorial Day Concert 2023
The NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT, America’s national night of remembrance, returns live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol 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.
The broadcast will feature the following segments:
Paying Tribute to Gold Star Families – with Emmy, Golden Globe and SAG Award-winning actress S. Epatha Merkerson (CHICAGO MED, LAW & ORDER); SAG Award-winning and Emmy nominated actor Dulé Hill (THE WONDER YEARS) and acclaimed actor and singer Chosen Jacobs (SNEAKERELLA, PURPLE HEARTS, IT). This year the program will share the story of three generations of one Gold Star family and their poignant journey through grief when the beloved oldest child, Sgt. Anthony O. Magee, is killed in action while on deployment in Iraq. Every member of the family must face a new normal where every day is Memorial Day.
50th Anniversary Return of Vietnam War POWs – featuring SAG Award-winning and Emmy-nominated actor and director John Slattery (MAD MEN, SPOTLIGHT) and Tony Award-nominated star of stage and screen Mary McCormack (HEELS, WEST WING). American POWs of the Vietnam War endured unfathomable conditions, abuse, and torture. Fifty years after their release, the concert will share the story of Col. Carlyle “Smitty” Harris (Ret.) who was imprisoned by the North Vietnamese for 8 years while his wife Louise stayed resilient and strong on the home front. The tribute will honor all our courageous POWs who endured, resisted and remained unified in the face of horrific captivity, to return home with honor, and remember the more than 58,000 American lives lost in the Vietnam War and the 1,581 who still remain missing and unaccounted for.
70th Anniversary Korean War Armistice – The broadcast will remember the more than thirty-six thousand American lives lost, and pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of our veterans who fought to defend freedom and bring peace.
World War II Remembrance – with Broadway and TV star Megan Hilty. The program will honor and remember veterans of World War II, and feature a tribute to the contributions of the Merchant Marines.