PBS's Top Rated NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT Brings The Nation Together For A Night Of Remembrance

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May 21, 2012, 05:23 ET

WASHINGTON, May 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- On the eve of Memorial Day, a star-studded line-up will grace the stage for one of PBS's highest-rated programs, the NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT. The multi award-winning television event honors the service and sacrifice of all our men and women in uniform, their families at home and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. The concert will feature riveting performances from some of the world's biggest stars. In addition, acclaimed actors will present personal stories of love and sacrifice submitted by viewers through the concert's Virtual Wall of Remembrance.

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The program is co-hosted by Joe Mantegna (CRIMINAL MINDS) and Gary Sinise (CSI: NEW YORK), two acclaimed actors who have dedicated themselves to veteran's causes and supporting our troops. The all-star line-up includes: distinguished American leader Colin L. Powell USA (Ret.); AMERICAN IDOL finalist Jessica Sanchez; the multi-platinum rock band Daughtry; nine-time Grammy award-winner, singer and songwriter Natalie Cole; country music superstar Trace Adkins; Emmy, Oscar and Tony award-winning actress Ellen Burstyn; Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning actor and Vietnam veteran, Dennis Franz; celebrated film and television actress Selma Blair; world renowned tenor Russell Watson; and the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of top pops conductor Jack Everly.

The event will feature:

A heartfelt welcome home to our troops who have been serving in Iraq and Afghanistan;
The poignant story of a young widow who lost her husband in Afghanistan;
A segment profiling the heroic and brave efforts of veterans from all wars; and
A closer look at the plight of homeless American veterans

"Each year on the eve of Memorial Day, we gather at the U.S. Capitol to share the real stories of fallen and wounded heroes, their families, and their combat buddies as a way to remember, to grieve and begin to heal," said concert co-host Joe Mantegna. "Every one of your stories of remembrance is important to us. We are honored to be able to share these moving tributes from our loyal viewers as we remember the sacrifices made by so many to preserve our freedoms."

The NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT will air live on PBS Sunday, May 27, 2012 from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. ET, as well as to our troops serving around the world on the American Forces Network.