2026 National Memorial Day Concert Celebrates America’s 250th Anniversary
Join us for a beloved annual evening of remembrance this Memorial Day as we honor 250 years of the courage and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform, their families at home and all who have given their lives in service to our nation. The 2026 National Memorial Day Concert airs live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol on Sunday, May 24, at 8pm on CET, with an encore presentation at 9:30pm. Watch a preview: https://watch.cetconnect.org/video/2026-national-memorial-day-concert-preview/.
As we approach America’s milestone anniversary, this year’s concert will pay tribute with musical salutes and powerful stories of patriots who have defended our nation since 1776. Tony Award-winner Joe Mantegna and Emmy Award-winner Gary Sinise, both longtime champions of veterans and service members, will join us as hosts for the evening.
“We honor and remember all our American heroes, from the all-volunteer force that won our independence in the American Revolution to the over one-million men and women who have given their lives since our nation’s founding 250 years ago,” said co-host Joe Mantegna.
This year’s concert will feature a 1776 American Revolution segment with a special tribute to the citizen soldiers and militia men of the thirteen colonies, as well as tributes to the WWII 85th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor, 25th Anniversary Remembrance of 9/11 Attacks and Vietnam War Veterans. A Gold Star Family Tribute will feature the traditional playing of Taps to honor America’s fallen heroes.
Alongside these powerful tributes and storytelling, the evening will have musical salutes featuring world-renowned artists, including Alan Jackson and Andy Grammer. The National Symphony Orchestra will perform under the direction of top pops conductor Jack Everly, who is celebrating his seventeenth season with the concert. The evening will also feature musical performances by military groups including from The U.S. Army Chorus, The U.S. Air Force Singing Sergeants and The U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters.
Other presenters and performers include Noah Wyle, Jonathan Banks, Melissa Leo, Mickey Guyton, Jamey Johnson, Laura Osnes, Mary McCormack and Blessing Offor. Learn more: https://www.pbs.org/national-memorial-day-concert/concert/performers/.
The 2026 National Memorial Day Concert will also be streamed live on YouTube and www.pbs.org/national-memorial-day-concert, and service members around the world can watch on the American Forces Network. Learn more about the annual concert, reflect on past stories and share memories of your loved ones who served on the PBS website: https://www.pbs.org/national-memorial-day-concert/.
