Additional Coverage:
Longtime National Memorial Day Concert host Joe Mantegna will be absent from this year’s event due to an ear issue that prevents him from flying. Stepping in for Mantegna is actor Esai Morales, who will co-host the 36th annual concert alongside Gary Sinise.
Mantegna, who has hosted the concert every year since 2006, took to social media to express his regrets and gratitude to Morales for filling in. He emphasized the importance of the event in honoring fallen service members and shared his well wishes for a powerful and successful concert.
Prior to the announcement of the host change, Mantegna described the concert as a vital tribute offering comfort and connection to families of the fallen. Sinise echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of honoring the courage and commitment of service members past and present.
This year’s concert boasts an impressive lineup of celebrity guests including Robert Patrick, Blair Underwood, and Gretchen Mol. Musical performances will be delivered by Mary McCormack, Loren Allred, Scotty Hasting, Yolanda Adams, and Angel Blue, accompanied by the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Jack Everly.
The concert airs live on PBS Sunday, May 25th, from 8-9 p.m. ET and will also be available for streaming and on-demand viewing.