I watch this concert every year. I truly appreciate the servicemen and women who fight for the freedom of this country. My dad was in WW II and drove the boats that dropped men on the beach of Normandy. He was only 17 and I could not have thanked him enough for what he did. I acknowledge him for what he did by watching this and cry every year.
Cindy Bodendorf
NH
The Concert
On the 2013 Concert from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, Gen. Colin Powell will speak about
the
meaning of Memorial Day.
Concert Features
Each year, the “National Memorial Day Concert” presents a unique program honoring the valor and patriotism of Americans who have served our country in times of conflict. The show pays tribute to their sacrifices, as well as those of their families and loved ones. The 2013 event will feature three important themes:
Twin brothers joined the National Guard just two weeks before 9/11, never suspecting that they would fight in two of the longest wars in America’s history. Co-hosts Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise share the story of these two brothers, who like so many of our service men and women and their families, learned the true meaning of service and sacrifice.
The first American forces landed in Korea in early July, 1950
as a part of the United Nations effort to defend South Korea.
Three brutal years later the Armistice was signed. On the 60th Anniversary of the end of the Korean War, the concert will pay tribute to the heroic service of the soldiers who fought and perished in this “forgotten war.”
Of the sixteen million men and women who served in World War II, only 1.4 million remain with us. Six-hundred eighty of them leave us every day. Last winter we lost decorated WWII veteran and longtime “National Memorial Day Concert” contributor Charles Durning. The concert will offer a special tribute to this,
our Greatest Generation.
For features from previous years’ “National Memorial Day Concerts,” visit the Concert Archives section of our site.
