Photo: PBS / Capital Concerts
Every year, on the last Monday in May, Americans come together to remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Memorial Day is a solemn occasion that serves as a reminder of the huge sacrifices of the men and women in our military. Every year, on the night before Memorial Day, PBS airs a special honoring those brave men and woman and their loved ones. For 2023, PBS once again is hosting the National Memorial Day Concert - an emotional and beautiful tribute to these heroes. The concert, held on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., will once again bring together acclaimed actors, singers, performers and servicemen and women to pay homage to the fallen and express much deserved gratitude to our nations military families.
Photo: PBS / Capitol Concerts
The PBS National Memorial Day Concert 2023 is a powerful and moving event that captivates audiences across the nation. The concert, which has become a cherished tradition, features a diverse lineup of performers who bring their unique talents to the stage. From stirring musical performances to heartfelt tributes, every aspect of the event is carefully curated to honor the service and sacrifice of our military personnel around the world and throughout our nations history.
Photo: PBS / Capital Concerts
Performances
Hosted once again by Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise, this years concert will showcase an array of musical performances from Gospel queen Yolanda Adams, Phillip Phillips, show-stopping duo The War and Treaty, Jo Dee Messina, Trace Adkins and Broadway's Megan Hilty. From original heartwarming songs of remembrance to American classics, the performances always have a way of bringing out the feels for even the most hardened of hearts.
Sgt Anthony O. Magee is remembered and honored at PBS National Memorial Day Concert 2023Photo: PBS / Capital Concerts
Moving Tributes
In addition to the musical performances, the PBS National Memorial Day Concert 2023 will feature moving tributes to fallen heroes and their families. S. Epatha Merkerson, Dule Hill, John Slattery, Chosen Jacobs and Mary McCormack will tell the stories of real heroes from our military who gave the ultimate sacrifice for us.
The stories highlighted include:
US Army Sergeant Anthony Oneal Magee's story told across three generations;
Col. Carlyle "Smitty" Harris (Ret.), a Prisoner of War for nearly 8 years and his faithful wife Louise who kept their family and home running;
70th Anniversary Korean War
WWII Tribute
Merchant Marines Tribute
Photo: Capital Concerts
Unity and Remembrance
As always, the National Memorial Day Concert is set to bring people from all walks of life together in a shared moment of unity and remembrance. In a time when our nation feels so divided, this event serves as a powerful reminder of the common values and ideals that bind us together. It allows Americans to collectively honor and remember the fallen heroes who fought for the freedoms that we so cherish today. There should be no one that enjoys the freedoms we exercise in this country who has a problem with that.
Tune In
The PBS National Memorial Day Concert 2023 will air live Sunday May 28th at 8:00pm Eastern on PBS, YouTube, the National Memorial Day Concert 2023 website, the PBS app and around the world on American Forces Network. It will remain available on demand on those same platforms for two weeks.
___________________________
Check out Kyle McMahon and subscribe to the Pop Culture Weekly podcast. You can follow him on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Instagram and check out his official Amazon Store.