Memorial Day Observance and National Memorial Day Concert 2014
Memorial Day, which is observed on the last Monday of May, commemorates the men and women who died while in the military service. In observance of the holiday, many people visit cemeteries and memorials, and volunteers often place American flags on each grave site at national cemeteries. A national moment of remembrance takes place at 3:00 p.m. local time. Another tradition is to fly the flag of the United States at half-staff from dawn until noon local time. For many Americans, the central event is attending one of the thousands of parades held on Memorial Day in large and small cities all over the country. Most of these feature marching bands and an overall military theme with the National Guard and other servicemen participating along with veterans and military vehicles from various wars.
The National Memorial Day Concert takes place on Sunday May 25th from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. (EST) on PBS. Music is performed and respect is paid to the men and women who gave their lives for their country. This year’s performers and hosts include:
- Gary Sinise
- Joe Mantegna
- Dianne Wiest
- Danielle Bradbery
- Jackie Evancho
- Megan Hilty Online
- Anthony Kearns
- Maestro Jack Everly (Music Director of the National Memorial Day Concert)
- The National Symphony Orchestra (John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts)
- Military District of Washington (Premier Service Bands and Service Honor Guards)
- U.S. Army Herald Trumpets (Official fanfare ensemble for the President of the United States)
- The U.S. Army Chorus (Vocal counterpart of The U.S. Army Band)
- The Soldiers’ Chorus of The United States Army Field Band (Vocal complement of the United States Army Field Band)
- U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters (Official chorus of the United States Navy)
- U.S. Air Force Singing Sergeants (Official chorus of the United States Air Force)
