Why the National Memorial Day Concert Remains Essential

A Sacred Trust: Why the National Memorial Day Concert Remains Essential After All Of These Years

For nearly a decade now, I’ve had the profound privilege of hosting Pop Culture Weekly live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol for the National Memorial Day Concert. As I reflect on another year, the feeling remains the same: it's an absolutely incredible honor to have a small part in this. The dedicated team at Capital Concerts consistently delivers a production that isn't just a show, but a deeply moving and truly authentic tribute to the brave men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we cherish every single day.

It's easy in our busy lives for Memorial Day Weekend to become synonymous with barbecues, beer and long weekends. And while enjoying those moments of freedom is certainly a part of the American experience, the core purpose of this day, and this concert, is to ensure we never forget the immense cost of that freedom. This show tells real stories from real people bringing the profound sacrifices of our heroes to life in a way that resonates deeply. It certainly has with me each year.

One of the most powerful aspects of the National Memorial Day Concert, as Blair Underwood so eloquently put it in my interview with him, is its apolitical nature. "Beyond the politics," he shared, "what I love about this is it's apolitical... It's about service to this country." In a world often polarized, this concert stands as a beacon of unity, reminding us all that honoring those who served transcends any political affiliation. It transcends race, gender, religion and creed. Because those who serve transcends those things too. It's simply about acknowledging the immense depth of sacrifice made by countless men and women throughout not juts our nations history, but the worlds.

Voices from the Heart

This year's lineup, as always, features an extraordinary array of talent, each bringing their own unique connection to the cause.

• Angel Blue, the magnificent opera singer, shared how singing the Star Spangled Banner isn't a performance for her, but a deeply felt anthem. With family members, including her brother, serving in the military, every word of the anthem resonates with profound personal meaning. She explained how childhood lessons on the anthem's words instilled a deep understanding that brings it "all to life."
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  Scotty Hasting, a veteran and country singer songwriter, brings a raw, authentic voice to the stage. He spoke of the difficulty in performing a song born from his own firsthand experiences of loss, but his unwavering purpose is to use his music and his story to "help somebody." His motto, "Don't forget to do good," encapsulates his inspiring journey of turning personal hardship into a platform for healing.
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  Gretchen Mol, the talented actress, revealed how telling a real family's story on stage is a "huge responsibility," but also allows her to focus entirely on honoring their sacrifice. She recalled her own childhood memories of Memorial Day parades and visiting cemeteries, underscoring the vital importance of instilling this sense of remembrance in future generations.
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  Gary Sinise, a tireless advocate for our military and veterans, reiterated the vital importance of Memorial Day as one of our nation's most cherished holidays, a day to never forget those who kept us free. In a truly moving moment, he shared that his late son, Mac, a gifted composer, will have his music performed by the National Symphony Orchestra tonight - a beautiful and deeply personal tribute woven into the very fabric of the concert.
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  Esai Morales, fresh off of Mission: Impossible - Final Reckoning, and cohosting with Gary, humbly stated that his presence is his "way to bring the attention that I get and focus it on real heroes." He recognizes the profound difference between "make-believe heroes" on screen and the genuine sacrifices made by those who "given it all."

• Blair Underwood, celebrating the success of last years Longlegs, will be performing a powerful story of the courage and bravery from one of our nation's heroes, Col. Otis Evans.
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  Yolanda Adams, Gospel Legend, will be performing an absolutely breathtaking rendition of 'Bridge Over Troubled Waters'.
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  Robert Patrick, will give tribute to WWII heroes and Iwo Jima veteran Donald Graves.

• Loren Allred, will perform a touching original song, 'I Hear Your Voice'.

The National Memorial Day Concert is more than just a broadcast - it's a sacred trust. It's a reminder of the quiet courage, immense sacrifice and enduring legacy of our nation's true heroes.  Tonight, Sunday, May 25th, at 8 PM Eastern Time, I sincerely hope you'll join me in watching the National Memorial Day Concert 2025. You can catch it live on PBS, Facebook, and YouTube. And if you can't watch it live, don't worry – it will be available on demand on YouTube, OnDemand and Facebook for two weeks following the broadcast.

Take the time to watch it. It’s an amazing tribute to those brave men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice for us, for you, for me, for our rights, for our country.

Check out Kyle Mcmahon and subscribe to the Pop Culture Weekly podcast. You can follow him on Facebook, YouTube, TikTok , Letterboxd and Instagram and check out his official Amazon Store.