The 2024 National Memorial Day Concert took place on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. It drew thousands of attendees, including Gold Star families, veterans and dignitaries, to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.
The concert was hosted by actors and advocates Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise. It featured music by Cynthia Erivo, Joey LeVox and Patina Miller. Each performance was interwoven with stories of valor, narrated by distinguished actors such as Bryan Cranston, Jena Malone and BD Wong.
“They stepped up to put their lives on the line for the rest of us, and they did not die in vain,” said actress Jena Malone as she told the audience the story of U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Kirstie Ennis.
The concert emphasized unity and remembrance. “I think that at any time a local community or like here on the Capitol lawn, just Americans and people from everywhere in the world coming together to support a cause like that,” said U.S. Army veteran Wayne Goodkin. “You know, support all those people that give their lives for this country. I think it’s amazing.”
The event was broadcast live on PBS, allowing millions of Americans to join in the commemoration from home.
