PBS’ National Memorial Day Concert returns for a live presentation hosted by Tony Award-winner Joe Mantegna and Emmy Award-winner Gary Sinise, acclaimed actors who have dedicated themselves to Veterans causes and supporting our troops in active service. Featuring all-star musical performances and tributes, the 90-minute broadcast of the 33rd annual National Memorial Day Concert will air and stream on Sunday, May 29, 2022, honoring our men and women in uniform, Veterans, their families and all those who have given their lives for our country.
A more than three decades long tradition unlike anything else on television, this deeply moving and reverential night takes us back to the real meaning of the holiday through personal stories interwoven with musical performances by top stars with the National Symphony Orchestra. The 2022 National Memorial Day Concert will feature a Gold Star Families Tribute with Emmy and Golden Globe-Award-winning actress Jean Smart (Hacks, Mare of Easttown) and Joe Mantegna.
Each year, the concert remembers the fallen and their grieving families. In 2022, the broadcast will include the video story of Maj. General Mark Graham, USA (Ret.) and his wife Carol, who in under eight months suffered the loss of their two sons: 2LT Jeff Graham, killed in Iraq by an IED blast and Senior ROTC Cadet Kevin Graham, who lost his battle with depression. Their sons died fighting different battles, but both dedicated their lives to serving the nation. The Graham’s story shares their journey through grief, healing and their decision to spend their lives helping others receive mental health and other critical support.
Other features include: a Generations of Service story portrayed by award-winning actor Gil Birmingham (Yellowstone, Wind River) and a General Colin L. Powell Remembrance with acclaimed actor Dennis Haysbert (24, Major League).
The national night of remembrance will also feature performances by: multiple award-winning actress and singer Lea Salonga (Miss Saigon, Mulan); Broadway star Norm Lewis (Phantom of the Opera, Scandal); chart topping country music singer songwriter Craig Morgan; Grammy-winning singer Rhiannon Giddens; Tony Award-winning Broadway star Brian Stokes Mitchell; acclaimed singer and American Idol alum Pia Toscano; the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of top pops conductor Jack Everly; annual audience favorite Salute to Services with the Joint Chiefs of Staff, including a special message from General Mark A. Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The National Memorial Day Concert airs on PBS Sunday, May 29, 2022, from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. E.T., as well as to our troops serving around the world on the American Forces Network. The concert will also be streaming on YouTube and www.pbs.org/national-memorial-day-concert and available as Video on Demand, May 29 to June 12, 2022.
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My heart is saddened for General and Mrs Graham’s loss of their two sons. However, their attitude about their youngest son’s loss while serving his country as an ROTC cadet is the first time in 52 years that I find affirmation of my close friend and neighbor, Private Mike Ritchey, who lost his life to suicide on the eve of departing for Vietnam. Depression was not recognized at that time, and he carried a very heavy ruck. To all who have lost their own vet to suicide, my heart joins yours.
So glad we still at least have this to look forward to. Although sad and emotional we must never stop remembering the sacrifice of so many.