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The annual Memorial Day concert from the National Mall features a
mix of dramatic readings, documentary footage and live musical
performances with an all-star line-up of dignitaries, actors and
musical artists.
In Memoriam, Erich Kunzel:
We deeply mourn the passing of our dear friend Erich Kunzel. For
the past 20 years, our friend and colleague conducted the NATIONAL
MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT and A CAPITOL FOURTH. These annual American
holiday traditions honor the service and sacrifice of our men and
women in uniform and celebrate our precious freedoms. It was both
an honor and a privilege to collaborate with Erich each year on
these tributes to our country, originating from the U.S. Capitol.
Erich Kunzel's dedication to our nation was unsurpassed. His
incredible artistry and energy will be greatly missed. We cherish
20 years of memories and send our love and deepest sympathies to
Erich's wife, Brunhilde, and their family. Capital Concerts and our
country have lost a dear friend, a great conductor and a true
patriot.
Jerry Colbert, Executive Producer, Capital Concerts Inc.
During Memorial Day weekend, PBS will unite the nation with an
evening that has become an American tradition. The
multi-award-winning NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT honors the
service and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform, their
families at home and all those who have given their lives for our
country. The 2009 event commemorates 20 years on air as the
nation's memorial service, offering viewers a time to remember,
heal and bring our country together. The program is co-hosted for
the fourth 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 veterans' causes
and supporting our troops in active service. The top-rated show
will be broadcast live from the West Lawn of the U.S.
Capitol before an expected audience of hundreds of thousands,
millions more at home and, through the American Forces Radio and
Television Network, troops serving around the world. The
concert features uplifting musical performances, documentary
footage and dramatic readings that honor all Americans who have
served or made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
Joining co-hosts Sinise and Mantegna is an all-star line-up of
dignitaries, actors and musical artists including distinguished
American leader Colin L. Powell; renowned film, television and
stage actress Katie Holmes; Emmy award-winning actor Laurence
Fishburne; double Academy Award-winning actress Dianne Wiest;
recording artist and actress Katharine McPhee; country music
superstar Trace Adkins; Tony Award-winning Broadway star Brian
Stokes Mitchell; celebrated Broadway star Colm Wilkinson (Les
Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera);
acclaimed opera star Denyce Graves; classical music superstar Lang
Lang, named one of the 2009 TIME 100 (Time magazine); and
Grammy-nominated violin virtuoso Robert McDuffie in performance
with the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of maestro
Erich Kunzel, recipient of the National Medal of Arts.
Click here for an audio slide show on the 20th
anniversary of the National Memorial Day Concert, with executive
producer Jerry Colbert discussing the show's mission.