Ep 26. 26th Annual National Memorial Day Concert
- May 24, 2015
The 26th Annual National Memorial Day Concert is a moving tribute to the men and women who have served and sacrificed for our country. Hosted by Tony Award-winning actor Joe Mantegna and Emmy Award-winning actor Gary Sinise, the concert takes place on the beautiful West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.
The concert begins with a rousing rendition of the national anthem sung by renowned soprano Renee Fleming. Then, the two hosts take the stage to welcome the audience and begin the tribute to our military heroes. The concert features a mix of powerful musical performances and personal stories of sacrifice and courage.
Country superstar Trace Adkins delivers a stirring rendition of "Til the Last Shot's Fired" as photos of fallen soldiers are displayed on a large screen. Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Alison Krauss performs "Amazing Grace," accompanied by a moving montage of military families.
The concert also features a special performance by the National Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Jack Everly. They perform a medley of patriotic songs, including "God Bless America" and "This Land Is Your Land." There is also a moving tribute to the women who have served in the military, featuring a performance of "I'm Still Here" by actress and singer Leona Lewis.
Throughout the concert, the hosts share personal stories of military heroes, including Medal of Honor recipient Marine Sgt. Dakota Meyer. The concert also features appearances by notable figures, such as actor Robert Patrick, who pays tribute to the 75th anniversary of World War II.
The concert concludes with a powerful performance of Taps by trumpet player Sgt. 1st Class Juan T. Mirabal, followed by a fireworks display over the Capitol building.
The 26th Annual National Memorial Day Concert is a touching and powerful tribute to the brave men and women who have served our country. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by our military heroes and the importance of honoring their memory.