From Decoration Day to Memorial Day, a nation remembers

In the hallowed ground of Arlington National Cemetery every headstone tells a story. Over 400,000 valiant men and women have made the ultimate sacrifice and are buried in its sacred soil. The concert will highlight the story of two of these American heroes.

Originally called Decoration Day, from the early tradition of decorating graves with flowers, wreaths and flags, Memorial Day is a day for remembrance of those who have died in service to our country. In 1971, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act and established that Memorial Day was to be celebrated on the last Monday of May.

For over a quarter century, PBS has inspired viewers with the annual broadcast of the multi award-winning NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT (#MemDayPBS), dedicated to our men and women in uniform, their families at home and all those who have given their lives for our country. Live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, the night of remembrance will honor the over 400,000 valiant men and women who are laid to rest in the hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery; and chronicle the experiences of the millions of American Veterans who still suffer from the seen and unseen wounds of war. The 27th annual broadcast of the NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT airs live on PBS Sunday, May 29, 2016, from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m., before a concert audience of hundreds of thousands, millions more at home, as well as to our troops serving around the world on the American Forces Network.

About the author: This article and video were submitted to Vantage Point by the National Memorial Day Concert organizers.