WASHINGTON, May 19 -- As the war in Iraq and Afghanistan
wages on, PBS unites our nation with the award-winning National Memorial
Day Concert (http://www.pbs.org/memorialdayconcert/) honoring the service
and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform, their families at home and
all of those who have given their lives for our country. The event, which
has become the memorial service for our entire nation, is co-hosted
(http://www.pbs.org/memorialdayconcert/features/cohost.html) for the third
year by Gary Sinise (CSI: New York) and Tony Award-winner Joe Mantegna
(Criminal Minds), two acclaimed actors who have dedicated themselves to
veteran's causes and supporting our troops in active service. The top-rated
show will be broadcast live on PBS from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol
on Sunday, May 25, 2008 from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. ET (check local listings)
before a concert audience of 300,000, millions more at home, as well as to
our troops serving around the world on the American Forces Radio and
Television Network.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to:
http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/capital/33101/
"I think all Americans have a moral obligation to honor the military,
by taking a moment to pause and reflect on the bravery and sacrifice of our
men and women in uniform, so that we can truly appreciate
(http://www.pbs.org/memorialdayconcert/remembrance/) what they gave to
preserve our freedoms," said Joe Mantegna. Added co-host Gary Sinise,
"Lending a hand to our country's servicemen and women is truly one of the
most rewarding things I have ever done. Knowing that they are not forgotten
(http://www.pbs.org/memorialdayconcert/stories/) and that their sacrifice
is appreciated can make a world of difference."
Joining co-hosts Sinise and Mantegna is an all-star line-up
(http://www.pbs.org/memorialdayconcert/concert/performers.html) including:
multiple Grammy award-winning Motown legend Gladys Knight; classical
crossover soprano Sarah Brightman; General Colin L. Powell USA (Ret.); Best
Actress Tony Award-winner Idina Menzel (Wicked, Rent); actor and comedian
Denis Leary (Rescue Me); distinguished actor Charles Durning; country music
star Rodney Atkins; actor and singer John Schneider; actress Gail O'Grady
(American Dreams, Boston Legal); and film and television actress Caitlin
Wachs; in performance with the National Symphony Orchestra under the
direction of maestro Erich Kunzel.
See Also
