Multiple Country Stars Join Lineup For PBS’ National Memorial Day Concert
on May 08, 2026
When Is The 2026 National Memorial Day Concert?
The first National Memorial Day Concert was held in 1989. The program has been an American mainstay ever since, featuring patriotic performances honoring the U.S. Armed Forces.
As the concert’s website explains, it also “unites the country in remembrance and appreciation of those who gave their lives for our nation and serves those who are grieving.”
Thousands of people attend the National Memorial Day Concert each year, which is free and open to the public. It takes place on the West Lawn of the United States Capitol Building.
Those who can’t attend the concert in person can watch it on PBS. The program airs on Sunday, May 24 (the day before Memorial Day) at 8:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM CT.
Additionally, the concert can be streamed on YouTube and PBS.org. It will remain available to watch on demand from May 24 through June 7.
The program typically opens with the National Anthem and ends with a performance of the Armed Forces Medley. This year’s concert will be extra impactful, as the performers and presenters will also celebrate the United States’ 250th birthday.
PBS recently unveiled the lineup for the National Memorial Day Concert, and it features several fan-favorite country stars.
Who’s Performing During the 2026 National Memorial Day Concert? The Lineup Has Been Revealed…
For starters, PBS confirmed that actors Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise, frequent hosts of the National Memorial Day Concert, will return as hosts this year.
As for the lineup of performers and participants, it features a mix of musical artists (including three country singers), military bands, and actors:
- Noah Wyle
- Melissa Leo
- Andy Grammar
- Jonathan Banks
- Mickey Guyton
- Jamey Johnson
- Alan Jackson
- Mary McCormack
- Laura Osnes
- Blessing Offor
- Jack Everly
- The National Symphony Orchestra
- The Military District of Washington
- The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets
- The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps
- The U.S. Army Chorus
- The Soldiers’ Chorus of the United States Army Field Band
- The U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters
- The U.S. Air Force Singing Sergeants
RELATED: REMEMBERING OUR HEROES: 10 WAYS TO HONOR THE FALLEN ON MEMORIAL DAY
Jackson, Guyton, and Johnson have all performed during past National Memorial Day concerts. Plus, Johnson is a veteran, having served in the Marine Corps for eight years.
Deadline describes some of the tributes that will occur during this year’s concert. Noah Wyle, star of the hit HBO series The Pitt, will lead a tribute to the militiamen and citizen-soldiers of the American Revolution.
A segment devoted to the 85th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor will be led by actor Jonathan Banks. Academy Award-winning actress Melisa Leo will lead a tribute recognizing the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
Other segments will pay tribute to Vietnam War veterans and Gold Star families.
Tune in to watch the National Memorial Day Concert on May 24 to watch every meaningful moment. In the meantime, revisit Alan Jackson, Jamey Johnson, and Mickey Guyton’s performances at past concerts in the videos below.
