Remembering service and sacrifice this Memorial Day

There are millions of American Veterans still suffering from the seen and unseen wounds of war. The National Memorial Day Concert chronicles the journey of one Vietnam Veteran who overcame his wounds by sharing his experience and compassion with other Veterans.

At the height of the Vietnam War, 1st LT Jack Farley (USA) was drafted and served in the 25th Infantry Division, the Wolfhounds. During the day, Farley and his platoon were engaged in search and destroy missions. Danger lurked at every turn and Farley never knew where or when the enemy might strike.

On January 10, 1969, Viet Cong forces began to shell Farley’s support base with mortar fire. One of the shells exploded next to him, sending shrapnel into his body. For Farley, his toughest battle would be in the months and years ahead. He lost his leg above the knee and, along with it, the dream of the life he’d planned for himself.

Like many amputees, Farley’s new normal included physical pain, grief for what might have been and the struggle to find a new path. Yet, his journey equipped him to overcome life’s adversities and excel, in his case as a lawyer and Federal Court Judge, a husband, a father and a mentor to many.

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.