It is a day to remember the sacrifices made by so many ... and a day for healing. On the eve of Memorial Day, PBS brings the nation together with the NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT, a deeply moving and reverential tribute to the men and women who have given so much to preserve America's freedoms. The event will be co-hosted for the second time by Gary Sinise ("CSI: New York") and Tony Award-winner Joe Mantegna, two acclaimed actors who have also dedicated themselves to veterans' causes and supporting the troops on active service. This year's event will focus on the brave servicemen and women who have been injured in the line of duty and examine the history of the hallowed burial ground of Arlington National Cemetery. The annual award-winning live program will feature an all-star line-up of dignitaries, actors and musical artists, including eight-time Grammy winner Natalie Cole; acclaimed actress Bonnie Hunt; Academy Award-winning actress Dianne Wiest; Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.); country music sensation Josh Turner; Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning actor Jimmy Smits; five-time Grammy award-winner CeCe Winans; acclaimed jazz singer Jane Monheit; and distinguished actor Charles Durning in performance with the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of maestro Erich Kunzel. The nation's premier memorial event will be broadcast live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol before an anticipated on-site audience of more than 300,000, as well as millions more watching at home. The concert can be seen overseas by U.S. military personnel in more than 135 countries on American Forces Radio and Television Network.

Writers Guild of America Award (2006) for COMEDY/VARIETY - MUSIC, AWARDS, TRIBUTES - SPECIALS
Writer: Joan Meyerson