STORIES FROM AMERICA'S CONFLICTS

Stories from Previous Years’ Concerts

For each of America’s conflicts there are countless stories of the soldiers who braved difficult and often terrifying circumstances as a part of the war effort.  Each year on the National Memorial Day Concert, we share a few of those stories so we can join together in remembering the hardships, grieving for the fallen and honoring those who sacrificed their lives.

Click on a conflict to the left to read about heroic soldiers or their family members, as featured on past National Memorial Day Concerts.

Feature Story on Afghanistan
In 2008 we honored the powerful bonds forged by buddies on the battlefield and paid tribute to the support and sacrifices of their families through a story about Staff Sergeant John Faulkenberry and PFC Chris Pfeifer and their wives, Sarah and Karen.

Gary Sinise highlights the significance of America’s war memorials.

REFLECTIONS

“Johnny, I’ve missed you for 40 years now and I’ll miss you always. When you died nineteen days after arriving in Vietnam, our family was changed forever. I remember your beautiful blue eyes and your quick smile, our last hug. Remember the big stuffed monkey on your bed? My daughter, your niece, has it now. She loved it as a child and I knew you’d be pleased she still has it. I remember. I remember every day. Love, Sissy”

Donna Lee Benner