Remembering Veterans from All Wars: The National Memorial Day Concert

May 24, 2012 Wisconsin Public Television Leave a Comment

This Memorial Day weekend, WPT continues a two-decades-long tradition of honoring the service and sacrifice of all our men and women in uniform, and their families by broadcasting the National Memorial Day Concert from Washington D.C. Hosts Gary Sinise and Joe Mantegna return to lead a star-filled concert with performances by Daughtry, Natalie Cole and American Idol’s Jessica Sanchez.

The performances are nice, but the program shines brightest when the focus shifts to honoring active soldiers, veterans and their families. This year, the concert will tell the story of a young widow who lost her husband in Afghanistan, take an in-depth look at the plight of homeless veterans, and honor the 42 million men and women who have served in all U.S. wars and conflicts.  Similarly, last year’s concert focused on the organization 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. (See the video below).

We give you two times to watch the National Memorial Day concert. Tune in 7 p.m. Sunday as you prepare for your Memorial Day or enjoy the encore at 10:30 p.m. Monday when you wind down from the long weekend. No matter how you honor and celebrate veterans this weekend, I wish you a safe and happy Memorial Day.

Watch Fathers Day at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall on PBS. See more from National Memorial Day Concert.

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