Photo: Kyle McMahon
Blair Underwood on Honoring Service and Sacrifice at the National Memorial Day Concert on PBS
There are some actors whose presence just lights up the screen and Blair Underwood is definitely one of them. But in speaking with him at the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol for the National Memorial Day Concert, it was his personal connection to service that truly shone through.
For Blair, the concert isn't just another appearance - it's a deeply rooted tribute. "First of all, I was raised an Army brat. My dad's a retired Army colonel," he told me. This upbringing instilled in him a profound understanding of "the United States military and... the service and honor and duty to country." Growing up on military bases, these values were simply part of his life.
Photo: Randy Shropshire / Getty Images Entertainment / Getty Images
His father, a 93-year-old active Vietnam veteran, serves as Blair's primary "access point" to the meaning of the day. "It's not only honoring him, but it's absolutely honoring him," Blair said, emphasizing the personal significance of his participation. He noted that his Dad, like many veterans, doesn't often dwell on his war experiences, preferring to keep those memories private unless asked specifically. This quiet understanding of profound sacrifice makes Blair's presence on stage even more meaningful as he acts as a voice for those who often keep their own voices silent on these matters.
Blair Underwood in NEON's LonglegsPhoto: NEON
What really resonated was Blair's powerful statement about the apolitical nature of the annual Memorial Day Concert on PBS. "What I love about this is it's apolitical. It's about service to this country." In a world often divided, the National Memorial Day Concert stands as a unifying force, reminding us that honoring those who served transcends any political differences. It’s simply about acknowledging the immense depth of sacrifice made by countless men and women throughout history and to this day.
Blair Underwood's insights remind us that Memorial Day is a day of solemn remembrance that is unifying across spectrums. It's about gratitude for those who answered the call of duty and whos sacrifices allow us the freedoms we cherish every single day. His appearance at the National Memorial Day Concert is a heartfelt tribute from a son to his father and from an artist to our nation's heroes.
Be sure to watch the National Memorial Day Concert 2025 live on PBS, Facebook, and YouTube on Sunday, May 25th at 8 PM ET or on demand for two weeks after to see Blair Underwood's powerful contribution.
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