Ep 33. 33rd Annual National Memorial Day Concert
- May 29, 2022
The 33rd Annual National Memorial Day Concert is a special event honoring the military men and women who sacrificed their lives for the country. The concert features a lineup of esteemed performers and special guests, including renowned actors, musicians, and military leaders. The program takes place at the US Capitol's West Lawn and was broadcasted live on PBS.
The show begins with a heartfelt tribute to the fallen heroes. Hosts Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise pay tribute to the brave men and women who selflessly served the country and made the ultimate sacrifice. The show kicks off with an exciting performance by the National Symphony Orchestra as they play the national anthem. This is followed by a series of heart-wrenching stories of service and sacrifice, narrated by guest hosts like Allison Janney and Mary McCormack.
Throughout the show, viewers are treated to performances by some of the most talented musicians in the country. This year's lineup includes the likes of Cynthia Erivo, Alan Jackson, and Mickey Guyton, all of whom deliver touching performances that leave viewers emotional. Country music star Jackson delivers a patriotic rendition of his hit song "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)," while Guyton gives a powerful rendition of "A Change Is Gonna Come."
Meanwhile, Broadway superstar Erivo brings the house down with an outstanding performance of "America the Beautiful." The audience cheers as she belts out the classic tune, displaying her remarkable vocal range. These performances are punctuated by stories of hope and resilience, as the show highlights the remarkable accomplishments of servicemen and women who have persevered against all odds.
In addition to the musical acts, the show features speeches and appearances by esteemed dignitaries, including Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley. They share their thoughts on what it means to honor the sacrifice of our fallen heroes and pay tribute to those who continue to serve the country.
One of the most moving segments of the show is the Gold Star Families Tribute, which honors families who have lost a loved one in service to the country. Hosts Mantegna and Sinise take the stage to introduce several family members, who share their stories and the memories of their loved ones. This segment serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices that service members and their families make on a daily basis.
As the show nears its end, viewers are treated to a special tribute to the World War II generation. Several veterans from that conflict share their experiences, and the show features a special performance by a military choir. The audience is transported back in time, as they pay tribute to the men and women who fought in one of the most significant conflicts of the 20th century.
Overall, the 33rd Annual National Memorial Day Concert is a fitting tribute to our nation's military men and women. From poignant stories of sacrifice and service to moving musical performances, this show has it all. More than anything, it reminds us that the freedoms we enjoy as Americans are not free - they have been earned with the blood and sacrifice of our brave service members. This show is a must-see for anyone who wants to pay tribute to the men and women who have given everything to protect our way of life.
