U.S.
Annual Memorial Day concert weathering weekend storms
Stars and Stripes
May 24, 2026
Actors Gary Sinise and Mary McCormack rehearse for the annual National Memorial Day Concert, on May 23, 2026. (Gianna Gronowski/Stars and Stripes)
WASHINGTON — The show must go on. That is the understanding among those involved with this year’s National Memorial Day Concert, as a rainy holiday weekend threatens proceedings.
In a year jammed with significant anniversaries, like the 85th anniversary of the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, a little wet weather is not going to stop all the hard work and dedication put into creating the show.
Actor Gary Sinise receives direction from a producer during a sound check. Sinise hosted the annual National Memorial Day Concert in Washington, D.C. (Gianna Gronowski/Stars and Stripes)
Rain was in the forecast for the 2026 Memorial Day weekend, but that didn’t slow down the events planned around the nation’s capital. (Gianna Gronowski/Stars and Stripes)
Rain did not slow down the rehearsal for the National Memorial Day Concert on May 23, 2026, in Washington, D.C. (Gianna Gronowski/Stars and Stripes)
Place holders for honored guests, like Gold Star Spouses, held seats during the National Memorial Day Concert rehearsal on May 23, 2026, in Washington, D.C. (Gianna Gronowski/Stars and Stripes)
Longtime host Gary Sinise is joined this year by star of screen and stage Mary McCormack — and both are dedicated champions of veterans and service members.
In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, the evening will pay tribute to all those who have given their life in service of the country since its birth in 1776. Special performances include actors Noah Wyle, Jonathan Banks and Melissa Leo, as well as musical artists Andy Grammer, Mickey Guyton, Marine veteran Jamey Johnson, Blessing Ofor, Alan Jackson and Laura Osnes.
Veterans were among the crowd at the National Memorial Day Concert, including these two U.S. Army veterans. (Gianna Gronowski/Stars and Stripes)
Actress Melissa Leo and John Schwarz laugh it up at the rehearsal for the National Memorial Day Concert in Washington, D.C., on May 23, 2026. (Gianna Gronowski/Stars and Stripes)
American flags flap in the wind as the rain continued to come down at the rehearsal for the National Memorial Day Concert on May 23, 2026, in Washintgon, D.C. (Gianna Gronowski/Stars and Stripes)
Actress Melissa Leo poses with Marta Bota, John Schwarz and others at the rehearsal for the PBS National Memorial Day Concert. (Gianna Gronowski/Stars and Stripes)
The National Symphony Orchestra and maestro Jack Everly will provide accompaniment throughout the show, including performing a piece called “The Rise” during the segment honoring World War II veterans, composed by Gary Sinise’s son, Mac, who passed away after a long battle with cancer in 2024.
“It’s very powerful,” Sinise said on the inclusion of his late son’s music.
A member of the National Symphony Orchestra tunes his instrument ahead of a rehearsal for the National Memorial Day Concert on May 23, 2026. The National Symphony Orchestra provided live accompaniment during the show. (Gianna Gronowski/Stars and Stripes)
Actor Gary Sinise introduced members of the New York City Fire Department, first responders to the September 11, 2001 attacks. (Gianna Gronowski/Stars and Stripes)
The National Memorial Day Concert is held each year on the U.S. Capitol West Lawn. (Gianna Gronowski/Stars and Stripes)
Among the anniversaries of note this year is the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks. First responders will line the stage as their stories are shared. At that time, the orchestra will play a new piece, “Triumphant,” which is expected to be release next month on the late Sinise’s third album, “Resurrection & Revival: Part Three.”
“For these pieces to be played by the National Symphony Orchestra, they’re not doing it just to make me feel good,” Sinise said. “They believe the music is really high quality. It’s the icing on the cake.”
Members of the New York City Fire Department and Police Department, first responders on 9/11, were honored at the National Memorial Day Concert. September 11, 2026, will be the 25th anniversary of the attacks. (Gianna Gronowski/Stars and Stripes)
Audience members were given American flags to wave throughout the show. (Gianna Gronowski/Stars and Stripes)
Members of the Fife and Drum Corps, out of costume, run through a rehearsal of the National Memorial Day Concert on May 23, 2026. (Gianna Gronowski/Stars and Stripes)
Also participating are members from the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets, the U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, the U.S. Army Chorus, the Soldiers’ Chorus of the U.S. Army Field Band, the U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters, the U.S. Air Force Singing Sergeants, the Armed Forces Color Guard provided by the Military District of Washington, D.C., and Patrick Lundy & The Ministers of Music. The show will conclude with the fan-favorite Salute to Service, featuring the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Service Color Teams.
The concert airs live Sunday at 8 p.m. EST on PBS and can be viewed by service members around the world on the American Forces Network.
