Tenor Anthony Kearns to Open the 2013 National Memorial Day Parade Program in Washington, D.C. on Monday, May 27, 2013

WASHINTON, May 27, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Famed Tenor Anthony Kearns will open the 2013 National Memorial Day Parade Program in Washington, D.C., on Monday, May 27^th at 2pm, it was announced.

Mr. Kearns will sing "America the Beautiful," with a 260-member chorus from across the country at the top of the televised program. This year marks the 70^th anniversary of World War II, the 60^th anniversary of the Korean War, and the 50^th anniversary of the Vietnam War. Television coverage will include The Pentagon Channel, the Armed Forces Network, and a television syndicate of more than 100 television stations across the country. The Parade -- the nation's largest for Memorial Day -- is expected to draw 300,000 spectators.

Kearns said: "It's my privilege to sing America the Beautiful to honor those who have fallen in defense of this great nation."

Said Tim Holbert, executive director at American Veterans Center: "As one of the most acclaimed tenors currently performing, Anthony Kearns is a perfect fit to open the 2013 National Memorial Day Parade's telecast.  It will be a powerful opening performance in what will be a very special afternoon in honor of our fallen heroes." 

In 2010, Kearns was the featured performer at the National Memorial Day Choral Festival at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and he also sang "Amazing Grace," during the Memorial Day Parade's National Moment of Remembrance. 

Kearns joins an impressive roster of parade participants, including: U.S. Army veteran and winner of Season 13 of ABC's "Dancing with the Stars", J.R. Martinez, who will serve as Parade Grand Marshal;  Honorary Grand Marshals, Robert Griffin III, quarterback of the Washington Redskins, and his parents, U.S. Army veterans, Robert Griffin, Jr. and Jacqueline Griffin; actor Gary Sinise; actor Joe Mantegna; country music artist Trace Adkins; Miss America 2013 Mallory Hogan; and American Idol: Season 5 winner, Taylor Hicks.

Kearns kicked off the Memorial Day weekend at a benefit for Wounded Warriors on May 24, 2013. The soiree, hosted by The Coalition to Salute America's Heroes, featured Bob Madigan, WTOP's "Man About Town," as emcee and a presentation of the U.S. flag by the Site Support Anacostia Staff Color Guard (U.S. Marine Corps). Special guests included Matt Cary, on behalf of Mayor Vincent Gray of Washington, D.C., and Alfonso Aguilar, former Chief of the U.S. Office of Citizenship under President George W. Bush. Aguilar led the Pledge of Allegiance. 

David Walker, President and CEO of The Coalition said, "We appreciate Anthony's work on behalf of all Wounded Veterans -- and we were very fortunate to have him on our program."

Kearns' performance included "God Bless America," the stirring "Bring Him Home," from the musical, Les Miserables, and "Ave Maria," which he dedicated to U.S. military troops. 

Mr. Kearns has a robust international solo career. Earlier this year, Kearns performed as the guest of General Martin Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in tribute to Medal of Honor recipients, and as the guest of Speaker of the House, John Boehner for the 2013 Friends of Ireland Lunch, where he received a standing ovation led by President Barack Obama. In Fall 2012, he was a featured guest on the PBS Special, "America's Veteran's: A Musical Tribute," with the U.S. Air Force Band. Kearns is the founding member of the popular musical group, The Irish Tenors. His appearance at the 2013 Memorial Day Parade and at the Memorial Day Kick Off Benefit was arranged by Kirsten Fedewa & Associates, L.L.C.

SOURCE Anthony Kearns