THE CONCERT

Previous Years' Concerts

Over the past 20 years the National Memorial Day Concert has featured uplifting musical performances, documentary footage and dramatic readings that honor all Americans who have served or made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Below are some highlights from our recent shows. On this site you can also read other poignant stories from previous concerts and view photos from previous shows.

2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001

The 2008 National Memorial Day Concert

There were three special tributes on the 2008 show. The first highlighted the World War II, Korea and Vietnam war memorials in the Nation’s Capital.  Veterans of WWII were honored, and in particular, actor Charles Durning, a highly decorated World War II veteran and 14-year National Memorial Day Concert participant was recognized for his bravery and sacrifice as part of the “Greatest Generation.” And the valor of the newest veterans was recognized as the program examined the lasting bonds that buddies form on the battlefields of Iraq.

The program was co-hosted for the third year by Emmy Award-winner Gary Sinise (CSI: New York) and Tony Award-winner Joe Mantegna (Criminal Minds), two acclaimed actors who have dedicated themselves to veterans’ causes and to supporting troops in active service.  The rest of the cast included 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); film and television actress Caitlin Wachs; and violin virtuoso Robert McDuffie 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, DC.

Sacred War Memorials
The 2008 concert commemorated three war memorials in our Nation’s Capitol, Washington, DC – the Korean War Memorial, the Vietnam War Memorial and, most recently, the World War II Memorial, as well as Arlington National Cemetery, which has become a sort of war memorial for those who are recently fallen and whose specific memorial has not yet been created. In particular, we honored the ’25th Anniversary of the Vietnam wall, the most prominent icon of the Vietnam War, where Vietnam vets who lost buddies and families who lost loved ones come to touch the names of the fallen and leave letters and offerings of honor and love.  General Colin L. Powell (Ret.) spoke to the experience of Vietnam veterans returning from an unpopular war and offered thanks for their courage and dedication.

The Greatest Generation
The 2008 concert recognized the immense contributions of World War II veterans and, in particular, honored the distinguished actor, highly decorated WWII veteran and 14-year National Memorial Day Concert participant Charles Durning for his bravery and sacrifice as part of the “Greatest Generation.”

John Faulkenberry and
Chris Pfeifer in Afghanistan

Bonds of Battle
The 2008 show highlighted the powerful bonds forged by buddies on the battlefield and paid tribute to the support and sacrifices of their families.  Acclaimed actors Gary Sinise, Dennis Leary, Gail O’Grady and Caitlin Wachs shared the story of Sergeant John Faulkenberry and PFC Chris Pfeifer and their wives, Sarah and Karen, who became friends during their training in Germany. In the course of a fierce firefight following an ambush, John was wounded and Chris helped him to survive.  Three weeks later, Chris was hit by a sniper and brought back to the states, where his wife Karen was about to give birth to their first child.  Though critically wounded himself, John asked his wife Sarah to go to the Pfeifers’ aid.  Not long after, Chris became one of America’s fallen heroes.  Sarah Faulkenbery was with Karen during baby Payton’s birth. Now the Faulkenberrys are helping Chris’s wife and new baby survive, providing them a home and emotional support. 

The 2007 National Memorial Day Concert

The 2007 concert focused on two major themes: supporting the servicemen and women who have been injured in the line of duty and visiting the hallowed burial ground of Arlington National Cemetery, which dates back to the Civil War and contains the remains of Americans killed in all wars, from the Revolutionary War to the present. Co-hosts Gary Sinise and Joe Mantegna were joined by eight-time Grammy Award winner Natalie Cole, county music sensation Josh Turner, Academy award-winning actress Dianne Wiest, Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning actor Jimmy Smits, acclaimed actress Bonnie Hunt, jazz vocalist Jane Monheit, distinguished actor Charles Durning, inspirational singer CeCe Winans, General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.) and the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Erich Kunzel.  The U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff also played a special role in the concert, along with the Joint Armed Forces Color Guard and color guard teams from each branch of the armed services, provided by the Military District of Washington. Also featured were the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets, the U.S. Army Chorale, the U.S. Navy Sea Chanters, the U.S. Air Force Singing Sergeants and the Choral Arts Society of Washington.

A Tribute to the Brave Servicemen
and Women Injured in the Line of Duty
Due to remarkable developments in technology, and the speed in treating soldiers on the battlefield, many more are surviving what would have been deadly injuries in previous wars.  Co-host Gary Sinise and acclaimed actress Bonnie Hunt shared Ted and Sarah’s inspiring story of struggle and determination as they face the challenges of traumatic brain injury. The Wades’ story emphasizes the extended healing process for victims of TBI, amputees, those with stress from trauma and soldiers with other seen and unseen wounds of war.   Read more about this issue and find resources for helping wounded soldiers and their families.

General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.) reflected on the impact of war on recently wounded soldiers, especially as they contend with long-term disabilities and vastly changed expectations for the future.

Arlington National Cemetery: Then and Now
Arlington National Cemetery, one of our nation’s most important shrines, contains the remains of more than 260,000 brave men and women who have given their lives for their country. Section 60 is where the soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan who are eligible and choose to be buried at Arlington are laid to rest.  Last year’s show shared the heartbreaking and poignant story of Gina Barnhurst, who lost her son Eric in Iraq and visits his grave in Section 60 every week and writes to him.  Viewers were extremely moved by this story and wanted to read Gina’s letter as shared on the show by Dianne Weist.  Also in 2007, Jimmy Smits reflected on the pain and grief of losing a loved one to war.

The 2006 National Memorial Day Concert

The 2006 concert focused on three major themes: honoring the contributions of the “citizen soldiers” serving in the National Guard, paying tribute to the brave pilots who flew with the Air Force during World War II – including the more than 90,000 combat casualties and 30,000 lives lost – and making a call to the nation to support our troops in caring and practical ways.  Acclaimed actors and show co-hosts Gary Sinise and Joe Mantegna led a cast featuring General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.), country music sensation Lee Ann Womack, Academy Award-winning actress Dianne Wiest, distinguished actor Charles Durning, country music sensations Big & Rich and beloved opera singer Frederica von Stade, America’s beloved tenor Daniel Rodriguez, actor and singer John Schneider, joined by the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Erich Kunzel. 

The U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff  played a special role in the concert along with a Joint Armed Forces Color Guard and color guard teams from each branch of the armed services, provided by the Military District of Washington, the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets, U.S. Army Chorus and U.S. Army Chorale, the U.S Navy Sea Chanters and the U.S. Air Force Singing Sergeants.

Citizen Soldiers:  The National Guard
The National Guard — the oldest component of the U.S. Armed Forces and one of the nation’s longest enduring institutions — celebrated its 370th birthday in 2006.  On our 2006 show we paid special tribute to the “citizen soldiers” serving in the National Guard, and recognized the impact that their service and sacrifice has had on their families at home.  We featured the story of Sgt. James Scaruffi and the brave soldiers from Houma, Louisiana’s National Guard unit the “Black Sheep” and the story of Ann Comeaux, whose son was lost from that unit.

Read more on this story and learn about the National Guard.

Air Force Pilots of WWII
On the eve of the 60th anniversary of the United States Air Force, the 2006 National Memorial Day Concert paid tribute to the brave pilots of World War II who fought in the European theatre — particularly those who were captured as POWs. The show featured the story of Second Lt. Corbin Willis, Jr., who flew on 22 dangerous B-17 missions during World War II as a 21-year-old co-pilot and before being shot down.  After enduring months of hardship in overcrowded Germany POW camps, Lt. Willis returned home to a family that thought he was dead. 

Read more about that story, the Museum of the United States Air Force and the Library of Congress Veteran’s History Project.

A Time For Unity
Gen. Colin Powell USA (Ret.) shared his thoughts on Memorial Day then and now — and how the holiday’s deeper meaning continues to inspire us as we struggle for ways to heal at a time when “there is immediacy to our sorrow” and “the wounds of war are new again.”  Our 2006 website also shared some of the many practical things citizens can do to support the troops.

Read more.

The 2005 National Memorial Day Concert

The 2005 concert commemorated the 60th Anniversary of Iwo Jima, honored our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, paid tribute to the work of the USO and mourned the passing of long-time Concert host Ossie Davis. New host Joe Mantegna led a stellar cast that included actors Gary Sinise and Charles Durning, singer and actress Vanessa Williams, country performer Trace Adkins, opera singer Harolyn Blackwell, General Colin Powell and other guests, along with conductor Erich Kunzel and the National Symphony Orchestra.

Noted military groups performing on the show were the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets, the U.S. Army Soldiers' Chorus, the Commandant's Own U.S. Marine Drum & Bugle Corps, the U.S. Navy Sea Chanters, bugler Sgt. Michael Ervin and the Marine Corps League.

Tribute to Ossie Davis
For more than 14 years, the National Memorial Day Concert on PBS was graced by the eloquent, dignified and compassionate presence of Ossie Davis. Last year we honored the legacy of Mr. Davis's work on behalf of America's veterans and we celebrated his life. Ossie's beautiful wife Ruby Dee shared a poem she and Ossie used to recite together that spoke to their mission in life. We received so many e-mails inquiring about this poem that we want to share it with you here.

TODAY IS OURS
(Anonymous)
Today is ours; let's live it.
And love is strong; let's give it.
A song can help; let's sing it.
And peace is dear; let's bring it.
The past is gone; don't rue it.
Our work is here; let's do it.
The world is wrong; let's right it.
The battle is hard; let's fight it.
The road is rough; let's clear it.
The future vast; don't fear it.
Is faith asleep; let's wake it.
Today is ours; let's take it!

Featured in the book My One Good Nerve, By Ruby Dee. 1999. John Wiley & Sons. Page 168.

Read more on our tribute to Ossie Davis.

U.S.O Segment
During World War II, when America's young soldiers needed a morale boost, a group with a special brand of "volunteers" was always there with a bit of support from the home front. Today that same organization is still so popular that is shows are known by just three letters . USO! Last year's concert included a special feature on the USO with television, film and theater actor and director Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band (www.ltdanband.com). With more than 11 USO tours to its credit, the Lt. Dan Band has an extraordinary commitment to entertaining and serving the troops.

Read more on our tribute to the U.S.O.

Iraq: The Fallen
Last year we paid special tribute to the troops in Iraq and to the sacrifices of their families here at home through the touching story of Don and Deborah May.

Read more on our tribute to the fallen soldiers in Iraq.

Iwo Jima 60th Anniversary
In 2005 we honored the men who fought in the ferocious battle of Iwo Jima during World War II. We shared the moving story of Danny Bert Thomas and several other survivors of that battle, along with battle history and the origins of the famous flagraising photo. A tribute to the Marines included a performance by the U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps.

Read more on our Iwo Jima tribute.

The 2004 National Memorial Day Concert

The 2004 Concert commemorated the anniversary of D-Day by bringing to life the moving stories of the troops who landed on the now legendary Omaha Beach. It also paid special tribute to the troops in Iraq who were disabled in combat and presented the moving stories of children who lost a parent to war.

Host Ossie Davis was joined by a talented cast of actors and musicians. Respected actor Tom Hanks paid tribute to the veterans of WWII and highlighted the unveiling of the WWII Monument on the Mall in Washington. Distinguished actor Charles Durning shared his personal experience as a U.S. Army veteran of Normandy who was part of the first wave on Omaha Beach. Mr. Durning is the recipient of three Purple Hearts and a Silver Star for his valor during World War II. Critically acclaimed young actor Jason Ritter and celebrated film, theater and television actor Joe Mantegna shared the stories of disabled vets Eric Castro (who served in Iraq) and Jim Mayer (a Vietnam vet) Inspiring and moving musical tributes were performed by multiple Grammy winners and bluegrass legends Alison Krauss and Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas; Grammy award-winning violin virtuoso Joshua Bell; country music star Brad Paisley; and Broadway sensations Brian Stokes Mitchell and Marin Mazzie. The National Symphony Orchestra performed under the direction of premier pops conductor Erich Kunzel, as well as other special guests. U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff and color guards from each of the armed forces made a special appearance, as they do during each year's broadcast. The U.S. Army Chorus performed on the show along with the Choral Arts Society of Washington, the Washington Chorus, the Fairfax Choral Society, and the Master Chorale of Washington.

The 2003 National Memorial Day Concert

The 2003 Concert featured a patriotic tribute to the troops serving in the Persian Gulf and remembrance of the heroes and victims of September 11 and the war on terrorism. In addition to paying homage to the thousands of veterans who have served or made the ultimate sacrifice in our country's service, the program commemorated the 50th anniversary of the armistice agreement that ended the Korean War. The concert also provided a very personal remembrance of the Vietnam War, which had come to an end 30 years earlier through the stories of four Gold Star Mothers who lost their sons.

Host Ossie Davis was joined by an Award-winning cast of actors and musicians. Golden Globe winning actor Dylan McDermott related the chilling story of Lincoln Liebner who watched as the jet airplane crashed into the Pentagon (for more information browse our Stories from America's Conflicts) John Glenn, a much-decorated veteran of World War II space pioneer, American hero and former United States Senator, spoke about our soldiers in Afghanistan and the tragic loss of those aboard the Shuttle Columbia (for more information visit the Stories from America's Conflicts section of this site) The National Symphony Orchestra performed a moving rendition of "The Right Stuff" also in tribute to the astronauts. Distinguished actor Charles Durning honored those soldiers sent to fight in Iraq and their families left at home. Triple platinum country music superstars Lonestar performed their hit "I'm Already There," a song that is an anthem for military men and women in all branches of the service. World War II veteran and Emmy Award-winning television and film actor Tony Randall paid tribute to those who lost their lives in the Korean War. Talented and acclaimed actors Joe Mantegna, Marion Ross, and Gina Rowlands shared the moving story of a Vietnam vet who helped Gold Star mothers face the deaths of their sons as they traveled to the locations in Vietnam where their sons died. Inspiring and moving musical tributes were performed by Grammy Award-winning gospel singer Yolanda Adams, British opera star Russell Watson, singing and acting sensation Tom Wopat, pop and Broadway sensation Linda Eder, Grammy Award-winning opera star Renée Fleming and the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of premier pops conductor Erich Kunzel. Noted military participants included the Chairman and the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the U.S. Armed Forces Color Guard and Color Service Teams, the U.S. Army Chorus and the U.S. Navy Sea Chanters. Also performing were the Choral Arts Society of Washington and the Washington Ballet.

The 2002 National Memorial Day Concert

The 2002 Concert paid special tribute to the Americans serving in the war against terrorism, the thousands of soldiers who endured the World War II Bataan Death March and the victims and heroes of the World Trade Center, Pentagon and Flight 93 tragedies.

The Concert opened with a performance by New York's "Singing Policeman" Daniel Rodriguez of "God Bless America" and a welcome by the Concert's host Ossie Davis. Popular multimedia entertainer Tony Danza performed a medley of patriotic songs, including "This Is A Great Country," "America, I Love You" and "United We Stand." A special segment honored the victims and heroes of September 11, 2001 and featured film actor and Tony Award-winner Joe Mantegna, who introduced the story of retired firefighter John Vigiano and his search for his two sons who were lost at Ground Zero. Classical crossover artist Charlotte Church performed Andrew Lloyd Webber's, "Pie Jesu." Tributes to those who were lost during the Pentagon attack and in the Flight 93 airline crash were given by Emmy Award-winning actor Richard Schiff and by 13-year-old film and television actress Caitlin Wachs, who reading of a letter written by Dana Palmer to her father, a fire captain who perished at the World Trade Center. Charlotte Church and Daniel Rodriguez concluded with a duet of "The Prayer." The National Symphony Orchestra performed "Summon the Heroes," a salute to the military troops currently fighting in Afghanistan. Legendary music group Chicago performed "Beginnings" and "In the Mood." Actor and decorated war veteran Charles Durning shared the memories of Lester Tenney, a survivor of the Bataan Death March. A eulogy by noted film actor and director Steve Buscemi and a performance of "Just One Dream" by Tony Award-winning singer Heather Headley concluded the WWII segment. Conductor Erich Kunzel introduced the salute to the services, including a welcome to Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Richard B. Myers. The evening concluded with a goodnight by Ossie Davis, Charlotte Church's rendition of "You'll Never Walk Alone" and a finale of the National Anthem performed by Heather Headley and the full cast. Military groups performing on this year's Concert included the U.S. Armed Forces Color Guard and Color Service Teams, the U.S. Army Band Herald Trumpets, the U.S. Navy Sea Chanters and the U.S. Air Force Singing Sergeants. Other guests included the Children's Chorus of Washington and the American Original Fife and Drum Corps.

The 2001 National Memorial Day Concert

The 2001 Concert, performed on Sunday, May 27th, featured a moving tribute to the World War II generation and the 60th anniversary of Pearl Harbor, a 10th anniversary salute to the veterans of Desert Storm, and an honoring of for POWs of the Korean War and those who served in Vietnam.

The concert opened with a salute to the Army and the veterans of Desert Storm featuring a medley performed by singing/acting sensations John Schneider and Tom Wopat. Eminent journalist Walter Cronkite remembered those who tragically lost their lives in Pearl Harbor, including a solider on the U.S.S. West Virginia whose story is told by award-winning actor Richard Crenna. Noted actor Chris Noth also contributed to this tribute, along with several moving performances by the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of maestro Erich Kunzel. Korean War veterans, those in the "forgotten war" were honored by the inspirational story of POW survivors, which was brought to life by WWII veterans and distinguished actors Charles Durning and Tom Bosley. A spirited production number of songs from the Korean War era was performed by Broadway sensation Kristin Chenoweth. Richard Crenna and award-winning actor Hector Elizando remembered veteran's sacrifices in the Vietnam war. Moving musical tributes were offered by legendary singer Art Garfunkel, Grammy Award-winning country artist Travis Tritt and pop star Debbie Boone. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Joint Chiefs along with a color guard from each of the services rounded out the 2001 Concert. Also performing were the U.S. Army Drill Team, the U.S. Army Chorus and the U.S. Navy Sea Chanters.

Actresses Caitlin Wachs and Gail O’Grady greet Karen Pfeifer and Sarah Faulkenberry, whose husbands were honored on the 2008 Concert.

REFLECTIONS

"This was a wonderful presentation! While we all want to listen to the music and celebrate happy times, it's necessary to hear the letters, the reminiscences and the horror stories of war. My heart goes out to all the disabled veterans as well as to those who have lost loved ones."

Peggy Anderson
NH