Photo courtesy of organizers
Capital Concerts Mary McCormack will co-host
National Memorial Day Concert co-hosts Gary Sinise and Mary McCormack
On Sunday, May 24, the 37th annual National Memorial Day Concert airs live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, hosted by Tony Award-nominated performer Mary McCormack (and daughter of a U.S. Marine) and Emmy Award-winner Gary Sinise.
The beloved annual evening of remembrance will honor 250 years of the courage and sacrifice of our military men and women, their families, and pay tribute to all who have given their lives in service to our nation, with musical salutes and powerful stories of patriots who have defended our nation since 1776.
The National Memorial Day Concert will be broadcast live from the West Front of the United States Capitol and airs live on PBS and streams on YouTube Sunday, May 24 2026 from 8-9:30 p.m. ET.
[We] "are deeply honored to co-host this 37-year tradition at the U.S. Capitol and salute those who have worn the uniform - past and present - and their families who have stood beside them," Sinise said.
Here's a look at what to expect:
• 1776 American Revolution - with acclaimed Emmy® and Golden Globe Award-winning actor/director/producer/writer Noah Wyle.
The concert will bring the history of 1776 alive with a special tribute to the citizen soldiers and militia men of the 13 colonies who took tremendous risks for future generations of Americans. These heroes embarked on a war with the world's greatest military power to win our independence, enduring brutal conditions and often with no pay. The experience of one of these brave American Revolutionary militiamen who fought for General George Washington will be shared.
• WWII 85th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor - featuring renowned Emmy®-nominated actor Jonathan Banks.
The surprise attack on the U.S. military base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii plunged our nation into World War II. More than 2,400 American service members and civilians were killed and over a thousand wounded on December 7, 1941, the day President Roosevelt declared would "live in infamy." The 85th anniversary tribute will highlight this monumental time in American history, which galvanized the entire nation, and honor the millions of men and women who left their farms and factories, big cities and small towns to serve in uniform and on the home front. Members of this Greatest Generation will be saluted on stage.
• 25th Anniversary Remembrance of 9/11 Attacks - with Academy Award®-winning actress Melissa Leo.
The shocking events of that day in New York City, over the skies of Pennsylvania and at the Pentagon will be remembered, honoring the commitment Americans made to each other to prevail over an attack on the United States of America. This commemoration will share the story of one of the heroes who faced the unthinkable in the rescue and recovery efforts at the Pentagon, and pay tribute to all those who died that tragic day.
• Vietnam War Veterans Tribute
Over the course of 250 years, our nation's military service members have looked out for those with whom they serve. Our nation's Vietnam War Veterans are exemplary in their mission to not only take care of one another, but to also ensure that future generations of service members, and their families, receive support for their service and sacrifice. The concert will pay special tribute to Vietnam War Veterans, especially those wounded, ill and injured.
• Gold Star Families Tribute
A moving tribute to the over one million men and women who have given their lives defending our nation since its founding 250 years ago, with poignant remembrances from Gold Star Families and the traditional playing of Taps at the U.S. Capitol to honor America's fallen heroes.
The inspiring night of remembrance will also feature performances by:
• Four-time Grammy-nominated country music star Mickey Guyton;
• Ten-time Grammy-nominated country music singer-songwriter Jamey Johnson, who served eight years in the Marine Corps Reserve;
• Award-winning, multi-platinum selling Country Music Hall of Fame member Alan Jackson from the famed Ryman Auditorium in Nashville;
• Two-time Tony Award-nominated Broadway and television star Laura Osnes;
• Emmy® Award-winning, multi-platinum singer, songwriter Andy Grammer;
• Tony Award-nominated star of stage and screen Mary McCormack;
• Two-time Grammy-nominated and two-time DOVE Award-winning singer-songwriter Blessing Offor;
• The National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of top pops conductor Jack Everly, who is celebrating his seventeenth season with the concert.
In tribute to all the members of the armed forces, the annual audience favorite Salute to Services features the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Service Color Teams. Also participating are members from The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets, The U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, The U.S. Army Chorus, The Soldiers' Chorus of the U.S. Army Field Band, The U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters, The U.S. Air Force Singing Sergeants, the Armed Forces Color Guard provided by the Military District of Washington, D.C. and Patrick Lundy & The Ministers of Music.
The NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT is pleased to welcome back Lockheed Martin as lead corporate sponsor. Lockheed Martin's commitment to the military and veteran community, integral to the center of everything it does, begins with the veterans, National Guard and Reservists, and military spouses that comprise more than one-fifth of its 123,000 employees. Lockheed Martin's charitable investments are made to causes that support service members, veterans, and their families. Lockheed Martin consistently strives to make a positive impact on the lives of those who have served our nation, never forgetting those who made the ultimate sacrifice to secure our freedoms.
The NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT welcomes back the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, a nonprofit that honors leaders who have overcome adversity and supports young people in furthering their education, as lead underwriter. Founded in 1947, the Horatio Alger Association is committed to preserving the American Dream for future generations and helping young people envision the opportunities made possible through the American free-enterprise system. Through the generosity of its Members, the Association has awarded more than $275 million in need-based scholarships to 38,000 high school students who are committed to continuing their education and giving back to society, despite facing serious adversity in their lives. In addition to financial assistance, the Association provides comprehensive services to its Scholars to support them academically, personally, and professionally.
The concert is also made possible by grants from: the National Park Service, the Department of the Army, General Dynamics, PBS and public television stations nationwide. Air travel is provided by American Airlines.
Weather
The U.S. Capitol Police and concert staff closely monitor the weather. If severe weather occurs, changes to the concert schedule will be announced to the public. If there is an evacuation, please follow U.S. Capitol Police direction.
Anyone who attends events on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol must go through security screening before entering the event area. This includes an administrative search of all bags, coolers, backpacks, and closed containers.
For this event, food items and beach/camp chairs that sit low to the ground are allowed. Guests are encouraged to bring their own water.
The following items are prohibited.
- Weapons of any kind
- Alcoholic beverages
- Glass bottles
- Animals (other than service animals)
- Aerosol containers
- Balloons
- Ballistic items (ballistic body armor, tactical helmets)
- Bicycles, scooters, and motorized scooters of any kind (devices required for accessibility (ADA) will be accommodated)
- Chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear substances
- Chemicals or damaging liquids
- Disabling chemicals (bear spray, tear gas, poisonous chemicals or gases, or other chemicals designed for self-defense)
- Drones, model rockets, remote or manually-controlled model gliders, model airplanes or unmanned aircrafts, model boats and/or cars, and other unmanned ground or aircraft systems
- Firearms and ammunitions (either real or simulated)
- Explosives of any kind, including fireworks
- Handcuffs, flex cuffs, or items that can be used as restraints
- Impact weapons (batons, blackjack, clubs, slingshot, etc.)
- Knives, blades or sharp objects of any length
- Laser pointers, signs, posters
- Mace, pepper spray
- Noise amplification devices (bullhorns and other sound amplifying devices)
- Structures of support for any signs and placards
- Realistic replicas of explosives, firearms, or other weapons to include toy weapons
- Sticks, poles
- Tasers and stun guns
- Umbrellas larger 36” in diameter (those smaller than 36” will be allowed)
- Pocket or hand tools, such as a “Leatherman”
- Sealed packages, large boxes, duffle bags, and suitcases
- Other items that may pose a threat to the security of the event as determined by and at the discretion of the USCP
Road Closures & Parking Impacts
To ensure everyone’s safety, the following road closures and parking restrictions will be in place around U.S. Capitol Grounds through Monday, May 25.
Thursday, May 21, at 8 p.m. – Monday, May 25, at 4 a.m.
Road Closures & Parking Restrictions
- First Street between Constitution Avenue, NW, and Independence Avenue, SW
- Pennsylvania Avenue between 3rd Street, NW, and First Street, NW
- Maryland Avenue between 3rd Street, SW, and First Street, SW
Tour Bus Traffic Restriction
- Tour buses will be relocated to Union Station for passenger loading and unloading
Saturday, May 23, and Sunday, May 24, between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m.
ADA Parking
- Both sides of Louisiana Avenue between Constitution Avenue, NW, and First Street, NW
- Both sides of First Street between Constitution Avenue, NW, and Louisiana Avenue, NW
All road closures and parking restrictions are expected to be lifted on Monday, May 25 at 4 a.m.
