National Memorial Day Concert 2025 Lineup Honors Our Nations Heroes Through Song, Performances, Tributes
Why I Never Miss the National Memorial Day Concert – And Why You Shouldn’t Either
Every year, there’s one event that truly stops me in my tracks: the National Memorial Day Concert. It’s not just a show. It's not just a concert. It’s a powerful, emotional reminder of what Memorial Day is truly about - honoring the heroes who’ve sacrificed everything for this country. And this year, it’s back live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol on Sunday, May 25th celebrating its 36th annual broadcast.
I’ve been lucky enough to cover this event for years and every single time it hits me right in the heart. The music, the stories, the tributes - it all comes together in a way that’s incredibly moving. And this year’s lineup? It’s shaping up to be something really special.
Photo: Capitol Concerts
A Lineup That Hits Every Note
Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise are back to host. Not only are they award-winning actors, but they’re also tireless advocates for our veterans and service members. Their dedication shines through every time they take the stage.
And whether you’re a fan of country, gospel, Broadway, or classical, the National Memorial Day Concert covers it all. Some of the performers I’m especially excited about this year:
• Scotty Hasting – a country singer and former Army infantryman with a voice full of grit and heart.
• Loren Allred – you’ll recognize her from The Greatest Showman. Her voice? Goosebumps.
• Yolanda Adams – the Gospel legend is bringing the soul and the Grammys (she’s got four of them!).
• Angel Blue – two time Grammy-winning soprano from the Met. Simply stunning.
• Mary McCormack – a Broadway star who always brings a commanding presence to the stage.
And let’s not forget the National Symphony Orchestra, led by the incredible Jack Everly, who’s celebrating his 16th year conducting this concert.
Photo: PBS / Capitol Concerts
Stories That Will Stay With You
Every year, the storytelling during the National Memorial Day Concert is what sticks with me the most. These powerful stories of veterans and service members are a reminder of the heroes our country is filled with...many of whom we'll never get the chance to know their names. Here are a few of this year’s featured segments that I know will be especially powerful:
• Gold Star Families Tribute – Actress Gretchen Mol will share the heart-wrenching story of Krista Simpson Anderson, whose husband, a Green Beret, was killed in Afghanistan in 2013. Her journey through grief and healing is the kind of story that stays with you long after the music fades.
• 80th Anniversary of the End of WWII – Robert Patrick talks Don Graves, a Marine veteran who fought at the brutal Battle of Iwo Jima. His firsthand account as a flamethrower operator? Absolutely chilling and essential to honor.
• Vietnam War 50th Anniversary – This tribute highlights the “Dustoff” helicopter medevac crews who saved nearly a million lives. Col. Otis Evans, a retired Army pilot, will share his memories, with Blair Underwood narrating. It’s an incredible story of literal courage under fire.
• Salute to 250 Years of Service – This year also marks the 250th anniversary of the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps. The concert will honor these branches and all those who’ve served before the U.S. was even a nation.
Photo: PBS / Capital Concerts
When & Where to Watch
You can catch the National Memorial Day Concert on PBS on Sunday, May 25th from 8:00 - 9:30 pm EST. It’ll also stream live on PBS.org, YouTube and the American Forces Network so our military families across the world can join in. Can’t watch it live? No worries as it’ll be available on demand until June 8th.
In the meantime, you can see my interviews and coverage of National Memorial Day Concert 2024 with Bryan Cranston here, the National Memorial Day Concert 2023 with Trace Adkins and Philip Phillips here, the National Memorial Day Concert 2022 with Jean Smart and Gil Birmingham here, the National Memorial Day Concert 2021 with Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise here and the National Memorial Day Concert 2020 with Cynthia Erivo here.
Whether you’ve been watching the National Memorial Day Concert for years like I have or this is your first time tuning in, I promise you - it’s worth it! It’s not just a concert, it’s a moment to reflect, to honor and to come together as a country. I’ll be watching with tissues nearby - and I hope you will too.
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.