National Memorial Day Concert 2018: Livestream, Performers, Times

WASHINGTON, DC — On Sunday night, the 29th PBS National Memorial Day Concert salutes the men and women in uniform, as well as their families. The free concert commemorates the 150th anniversary of Memorial Day. It is held on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol and will take place from 8-9:30 p.m. ET.

Actors Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise will host the proceedings. Other luminaries taking part include Oscar-winning actress and "Mom" star Allison Janney, former Secretary of State Gen. Colin Powell, actor Graham Greene, opera and Broadway star Alfie Boe, singer and Broadway performer Megan Hilty, "Nashville" star Charles Esten and actress Cynthia Erivo.

Performers include: Leona Lewis, the National Symphony Orchestra, U.S. Army Chorus and Army Voices, U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters, Soldiers' Chorus and more.

The National Memorial Day Concert features performances, documentary footage and dramatic readings that honor the military service of all American men and women in uniform and their families at home. One of PBS’ highest-rated programs, featuring an all-star lineup, the multi-award-winning television event has become an American tradition.

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Organizers say the concert unites the country in remembrance and appreciation of those who gave their lives for our nation and serves those who are grieving through the mission put forward by Abraham Lincoln in his second inaugural address, "Let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan."

Memorial Day had been first known at “Decoration Day” and was commemorated at Arlington National Cemetery.

If You Go

Best spots to watch are via the public entrances to the West Front of the U.S. Capitol:

• North (Senate) Side of Capitol Square: Third Street NW, and Pennsylvania Avenue NW
• South (House) Side of Capitol Square: Third Street SW, and Maryland Avenue SW

Road closures started Friday and last through Monday, May 28, on these roads:

• First Street, SW/NW from Independence Avenue to Constitution Avenue
• Maryland Avenue, SW, from First Street to Third Street
• Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, from First Street to Third Street

All bags, coolers, backpacks and closed containers will be checked; all guests will have to go through a metal detector.

Prohibited items include:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Glass bottles
• Animals (other than service animals)
• Bicycles
• Firearms and ammunition (either real or simulated)
• Explosives of any kind (including fireworks)
• Knives, blades or sharp objects (of any length)
• Laser pointers
• Signs
• Posters
• Mace and pepper spray, sticks and poles
• Electric stun guns
• Martial arts weapons or devices
• Umbrellas larger than 36 inches in diameter (those smaller than 36″ will be allowed)
• Pocket or hand tools such as a “Leatherman”
• Sealed packages, large boxes, duffel bags, suitcases
• 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 system.

You can also catch the concert on a PBS livestream.

Screenshot of 2017 National Memorial Day Concert via PBS YouTube