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.
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.
Returning Troops Receive Tribute
Watch as Gary Sinise and Joe Mantegna pay tribute and Chris Daughtry performs for the servicemen and women returning from recent deployments. The Daughtry song “Home” was a highlight of the 2012 National Memorial Day Concert.
Jessica Sanchez Sings the National Anthem
Jessica Sanchez wows crowds with a stunning, patriotic performance of the national anthem at the 2012 National Memorial Day Concert. Performing at the concert was particularly meaningful for Sanchez, whose father and grandfather have served in the U.S. military.
Traditions
As this multi award-winning event continues its two decades long tradition of honoring the service and sacrifice of all our men and women in uniform, their families at home and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Loyal viewers around the country and attendees on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol return year after year to experience this memorial service for our nation.
Fathers Day at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall
Michelle Baugh lost her father to the Vietnam War when she was only three months old. When she was 19, she began a journey of discovery and healing that would lead her to an organization called Sons and Daughters In Touch, whose mission is to locate, unite and provide support to Sons, Daughters and other family members of those who died or remain missing as a result of the Vietnam War.
American Gold Star Mothers
American Gold Star Mothers is an organization of mothers who have lost a child in military service. It began during World War I with its founder, Grace Darling Seibold, who began visiting service members returning home to hospitals as a means of coping with her sorrow, after her son George was reported missing in France.
Remembering Our Fallen
Joe Mantegna invites submissions to a virtual wall of remembrance designed to feature personal stories about war veterans and fallen or injured members from Americas Armed Forces. Those who have lost a loved one to our nations conflicts are invited to submit video tributes or photographs and written remembrances to our website.
Kris Allen Performs
Watch American Idol winner Kris Allen's performance of “God Bless the USA” on the National Memorial Day Concert.
Celebrity Reflections
Celebrities share their experiences performing at the National Memorial Day Concert and reflect on what the holiday means to them.
Colin Powell Thanks Troops
Watch General Colin Powell welcome home our heroes from Iraq and Afghanistan and thank them for their service on the National Memorial Day Concert.
Honoring Our Wounded Warriors
Watch this special shout-out to our country's 43,000 service members who have been wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Gloria Estefan Honors Her Father
Gloria and Emilio Estefan were given the National Artistic Achievement Award on A Capitol Fourth (2005). Gloria dedicated her award to her father, a Vietnam War veteran. In the 2015 National Memorial Day Concert, Gloria will perform in tribute to her father and all veterans who have faced adversity.
A Gold Star Life
On the 1996 National Memorial Day Concert, actress Jill Eikenberry shared a letter left by gold star wife Sally Griffis under her husband's name on the Vietnam Memorial Wall. In it, she talked about the experience of taking her children to visit the memorial as a way to honor their father. Now those children are grown-up and still seeing their lives through the lens of being gold star children.
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