THE CONCERT

Co-host Conversations

Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise Share Their Thoughts on Memorial Day

Acclaimed actors Gary Sinise (CSI: New York) and Joe Mantegna (Criminal Minds) reunite to host the National Memorial Day Concert. Both Sinise and Mantegna have deep personal connections to the Memorial Day holiday and have dedicated themselves to veterans' causes and to supporting our troops in active service.

Joe Mantegna and the Meaning of Memorial Day

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Gary Sinise & Joe Manegna Audio Interview
In 2007, the co-hosts shared their thoughts on their roles in the National Memorial Day Concert and how Americans can help bring healing to the many servicemen and women who have been wounded or disabled in combat.

QUESTION 1

Do you think that the Memorial Day holiday has started to take on a deeper meaning for Americans in recent years, since the current conflict is so present in our minds and many of our troops have given their lives or been wounded in combat?

RESPONSES
Listen to Joe's response | Read Joe's response
Listen to Gary's response | Read Gary's response

QUESTION 2
Although you both have been involved in the National Memorial Day Concert for a number of years, this is your second time co-hosting. How is it to work together on the concert? How do you think you complement each other?

RESPONSES
Listen to Joe's response | Read Joe's response
Listen to Gary's response | Read Gary's response

QUESTION 3
Gary, you played a severely disabled veteran, “Lt. Dan,” in the movie Forrest Gump. Your character went through a long healing process, showing great resilience in the end. Did playing that role give you any insights that you are able to use today when talking to wounded soldiers?

RESPONSES
Listen to Gary's response | Read Gary's response

QUESTION 4
Joe, you were hooked on the National Memorial Day Concert early in your participation, and brought your uncles who served in WWII. Gary, you have brought members of your family who served in the military as well. Was it an emotional moment to be performing in front of them in a program that commemorates the service they and so many others have given to this country?

RESPONSES
Listen to Joe's response | Read Joe's response
Listen to Gary's response | Read Gary's response

QUESTION 5
Do you have any suggestions for what Americans who have not been impacted directly by war can do for those who have and their families, especially considering the number of wounded who are returning from Iraq and Afghanistan?

RESPONSES
Listen to Joe's response | Read Joe's response
Listen to Gary's response | Read Gary's response

Websites mentioned by Gary Sinise:

Our co-hosts are each involved in activities to help support the troops, and we can join in!

General George W. Casey, Jr. and the U.S. Army Color Service Team.

WWII Veterans attend the National Memorial Day Concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol.

REFLECTIONS

“Thank you SO MUCH Joe and Gary for the wonderful Memorial Day Concert – all the people involved – the hard work --- the honoring of the soldiers – the salute to Charles Durning – We LOVED it! It was so special and important for us to see. Thank you again for being there for our men and women during these difficult times. Thank you for recognizing the military families and their sacrifices. We really appreciate you both and all your work with our active and retired military.”

Carol Wood
CA