VIDEO: 25th Annual National Memorial Day Concert Is Sunday on National Mall

On the eve of Memorial Day, a star-studded lineup will grace the stage for the 25th National Memorial Day Concert, featuring musical performances, documentary footage and readings that honor Americans who have sacrificed for the country. 

The event, hosted by Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise, takes place Sunday from 8-9:30 p.m. on the National Mall and airs live on your local PBS station; the program will re-air from 9:30-11 p.m. The concert takes place on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. The concert is free and open to the public, no tickets are necessary.

The program honors the military service of men and women in uniform, their families at home and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Mantegna and Sinise will be joined by Colin L. Powell, Dianne Wiest, Danielle Bradbery, Megan Hilty, Jackie Evancho, Doc Severinsen and Anthony Kearns in performance with the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of top pops conductor Jack Everly. 

Taking the Metro to the concert site is strongly advised due to traffic volume and street closings put in place for the event. The nearest stations are Federal Center SW (Orange/Blue line) and Union Station (Red line).

General Admission gates will open at 5 p.m. The public will not be admitted to the West Lawn of the Capitol before that time. Checkpoints will be set up, and all bags and parcels will be checked. Guests will be required to enter through a metal detector. The gates are located at the Southwest corner of the Capitol grounds. 

Have you been to the concert? What tips would you give to someone who's thinking about going?