National Memorial Day Concert Overview
The National Memorial Day Concert in Washington honors those who have served in the military, their families, and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
Due to current stay-at-home measures taken in light of the pandemic, the 2020 concert will still take place via livestream only for spectators. The information below pertains to details from the past year’s event, but you can find up-to-date information regarding streaming, performance schedules, and other details on the PBS website.
Broadcast live on PBS and the American Forces Radio and Television Network, the concert reaches hundreds of countries and Navy ships at sea. Moreover, it will also be live-streamed on PBS.org, Facebook, and YouTube.
The concert, performed by the National Symphony Orchestra, features a compelling blend of dramatic readings, documentary footage, and live musical performances, along with an all-star lineup of dignitaries, actors, and musical artists. This free annual event (no tickets required) is held on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building and heralds the summer season in the nation’s capital at 8 p.m. on Sunday, May 26, 2019. Gates open at 5 p.m.; attendees must enter through a metal detector, and bags will be checked. The concert airs live on PBS across the country from 8 to 9:30 p.m. EDT.
How to Get There
The best way to reach the Capitol is by taking the Metro as traffic will be heavy, some streets will be closed, and parking is limited. The closest Metro stations to the concert site are Federal Center SW (Orange and Blue Line) and Union Station (Red Line). Access to the concert is located at the southwest corner of the Capitol grounds. There are two public entrances to the West Lawn of the Capitol: the north (Senate) side of Capitol Square at Third Street NW and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, and the south (House) side of Capitol Square at Third Street SW and Maryland Avenue SW.
Memorial Day 2019 Highlights
This concert honors all who have served. The performers this year include the National Symphony Orchestra of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and various military bands, including the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets, the official fanfare ensemble for the President of the United States. Furthermore, the U.S. Army Chorus, U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters, The Singing Sergeants (the official chorus of the U.S. Air Force), and the Soldiers’ Chorus of The United States Army Field Band will also perform.
Celebrity Appearances
This year, actor and humanitarian Gary Sinise will make an appearance at the concert, along with actor Joe Mantegna and conductor Jack Everly.
