National Memorial Day Concert
Season 20, Episode 1 of 1

Broadcast live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., this year's concert will be led for the third year by co-hosts Gary Sinise ("CSI NY") and Tony Award-winner Joe Mantegna ("Criminal Minds"), who have dedicated themselves to veterans' causes and supporting our troops on duty. This year, the event will pay special tribute to the veterans of World War II, Korea and Vietnam and the sacred war memorials built in their honor in Washington, D.C. Actor and highly decorated World War II veteran Charles Durning will also be recognized for his bravery and sacrifice in a tribute to the "greatest generation" who stepped forward in a time of need. And the valor of our newest veterans will be honored in an examination of the bonds formed on the battlefields of Iraq. The concert will feature a mix of dramatic readings, documentary footage and live musical performances, along with an all-star line-up of dignitaries, actors and musical artists and the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Erich Kunzel.