The Beach Boys Perform "Surfin' USA" at the 2016 Concert
The Beach Boys joined the 2016 National Memorial Day Concert to play the music that defined the Vietnam era. Watch their performance of "Surfin' USA."
Trace Adkins Performs "Arlington" at the 2016 Concert
Trace Adkins honors all of those buried in Arlington National Cemetery with his performance of "Arlington" at the 2016 National Memorial Day Concert.
Remembering Vietnam
National Memorial Day Concert audience members pay tribute to friends and loved ones who lost their lives during the Vietnam War.
Who Will You Honor and Remember on Memorial Day?
MAJ Marissa Alexander (USA) honors her husband, Staff SGT Leroy Alexander, who was killed in Afghanistan. Who will you honor and remember on Memorial Day?
2016 National Memorial Day Concert Featured Highlights
Watch a preview of the 2016 National Memorial Day Concert featuring General Colin L. Powell, Renée Fleming, The Beach Boys, Katharine McPhee, Trace Adkins, S. Epatha Merkerson, Esai Morales, Alfie Boe, Trent Harmon, Maestro Jack Everly and co-hosted for the eleventh year by Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise.
2016: Arlington WWII Hero
PFC Alton W. Knappenberger (USA) was a member of one of the largest amphibious landings in military history, when, in the fall of 1943, over 60,000 Allied troops stormed the port city of Anzio to liberate Italy from the Fascists.
2016: Journey from Vietnam
On January 10, 1969, 1st LT Jack Farley (USA) was severely injured by a mortar round that landed near his base in Vietnam. Decades later, Farley would find himself helping and mentoring a future generation of wounded servicemen and women.
2016: Gold Star Parents
Section 60 in Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place for U.S. troops who have been killed while serving their country in Iraq and Afghanistan. Over one thousand servicemen and women are buried here, including Paula Davis’ son, Justin, who was killed in Afghanistan on June 25, 2006.
2016 National Memorial Day Concert Preview
The National Memorial Day Concert is an American tradition that honors the military service of all our men and women in uniform, their families at home, and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Honoring Disabled American Veterans
While visiting the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial, wounded warriors share their perspectives on meeting the challenges of their new normal. National Memorial Day Concert co-host Gary Sinise narrates this short piece honoring the disabled veteran experience.
Gloria Estefan's Memorial Day Dedication
On the 2015 National Memorial Day Concert, Gloria Estefan shared her personal connection to veterans causes and dedicated her performance to those who put their lives on the line so we can enjoy freedom in America.
Impressions of a Gold Star Childhood
The story of gold star children is shared on the 2015 National Memorial Day Concert. Learn more about their determination to carry on as they face life as a gold star family.
Backstage
In this backstage interview, actors Gary Sinise and Joe Mantegna, co-hosting for the tenth year, discuss the personal connections that make hosting the show so important for them. These two acclaimed performers have dedicated themselves to veterans' causes and supporting U.S. troops in active service.
2015 National Memorial Day Concert Featured Highlights
The 2015 National Memorial Day Concert will feature the stories of courageous American heroes disabled for life; shine a spotlight on gold star Children who have lost a parent to war; and commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II.
The End of WWII: Stories of Courage
On the 70th anniversary of the end of WWII, veterans of that historic and costly conflict reflect on their service, their fallen brothers and the mission that meant so much to our country and the world. The Allies' victories in Europe and the Pacific triggered world-wide celebrations, but for the men and women who helped to win the war, its story is one of personal sacrifice, honor and survival.
The Battle of a Lifetime
When an Afghan insurgent’s bullet left Romy Camargo a quadriplegic, he and his wife, Gaby, built a new life together. They turned tragedy, Romy says, into “a love story.” The 2015 National Memorial Day Concert honors disabled veterans and their caregivers, who offer love and support.
The National Anthem at the U.S. Capitol
Newly crowned American Idol Nick Fradiani performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" in front of the United States Capitol on the 2015 National Memorial Day Concert. The anthem began an evening of tributes to the fallen, wounded warriors, veterans and military families.
A Message From the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
On the 2014 National Memorial Day Concert, General Martin Dempsey expressed personal gratitude on behalf of more than 2 million men and women of the United States Armed Forces for the support of American citizens. This message continues to resonate this Memorial Day as we honor the service of all our men and women in uniform, their families and all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
A Tribute to a Mother's Loss
This year the National Memorial Day Concert will pay special tribute to a mother, Ruth Stonesifer, who's son was the first casualty in the Afghanistan War. The loss of Ruth's youngest child led to her becoming president of the Gold Star Mothers.
General Colin Powell on the Meaning of Memorial Day
General Powell shares his experience of visiting Washington D.C.'s war memorials and witnessing the remembrances left by family, friends and loved ones of service members who served and sacrificed.
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