PBS's National Memorial Day Concert Featuring a Special Commemoration of 9/11

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May 25, 2011, 01:54 ET

WASHINGTON, May 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Nearly 10 years after the events of 9/11 and the terrorist attacks orchestrated by Osama bin Laden, our nation is experiencing a renewed sense of national unity. The 2011 NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT will open with a special segment remembering those who lost their lives that day, and their loved ones, and commemorating the heroism of the firefighters and police officers who first responded.

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The multi award-winning event will also continue its two decades long tradition of honoring the service and sacrifice of all our men and women in uniform who have protected us, their families at home and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. The NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT will be co-hosted for the sixth year by Emmy Award-winner 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 to supporting our troops in active service. The NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT is broadcast live, nationwide on PBS, from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol on Sunday, May 29 from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. ET, as well as to our troops serving around the world on the American Forces Network.

The event will also feature:

A special thank you to our troops who have been serving in Iraq by General Colin Powell;

The poignant story of a woman who lost her father in Vietnam and how her experiences are helping a new generation of children who have suffered the same loss after their parents served in Iraq and Afghanistan; and

A tribute to our World War II veterans 70 years after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

"They are our sons and daughters; husbands, friends and sweethearts," said General Colin Powell, who will lead the thank you to our troops. "We honor the sacrifices each of them has made for us; and we respect the deep sacrifices their families have also made. They are the spirit – and the strength – of America."

The all-star line-up participating in the 22nd annual broadcast includes: American Idol finalist Pia Toscano; Academy, Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning actor Forest Whitaker; American Idol winner Kris Allen; two-time Academy and Emmy Award-winning actress Dianne Wiest; King of the Blues B.B. King; acclaimed actor Jason Ritter; classical superstar Hayley Westenra; America's beloved tenor Daniel Rodriguez, the New York city policeman who united the country after the September 11 terrorist attacks; and gospel legend Yolanda Adams. They will perform with the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of top pops conductor Jack Everly.