National Memorial Day Concert 2026: How to Watch the PBS Special

The annual National Memorial Day Concert airs Sunday, May 24, from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, honoring America’s fallen heroes, service members, veterans, military families and Gold Star Families.

Written by Amanda Tempel

Date Published: May 24, 2026

The 37th annual National Memorial Day Concert will air live on Sunday, May 24, 2026, from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. ET on PBS.

Broadcast live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, the annual evening of remembrance will honor 250 years of courage and sacrifice from America’s military men and women, their families and all those who have given their lives in service to the nation. The concert will also be available to stream on YouTube and PBS.org, with video on demand available from May 24 through June 7, 2026.

This year’s broadcast will be co-hosted by Gary Sinise and Mary McCormack, who steps in for longtime host Joe Mantegna. McCormack, a Tony Award-nominated actress and proud daughter of a U.S. Marine, joins the program as the concert honors service members, veterans and military families.

“What makes this concert so powerful is the way it tells the larger story of service and sacrifice,” McCormack said. “It reminds us of what military service asks of individuals and families, and how much gratitude we owe them. I’m honored to join as co-host of this year’s broadcast. It’s one of the most meaningful projects I’ve ever been a part of, and I wouldn’t miss it for anything.”

National Memorial Day Concert 2026 Performers

The 2026 National Memorial Day Concert will feature performances from Alan Jackson, Mickey Guyton, Jamey Johnson, Andy Grammer, Laura Osnes and Blessing Offor, along with the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of conductor Jack Everly.

Alan Jackson, a Country Music Hall of Fame member, will appear from the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Jamey Johnson, a ten-time Grammy-nominated country singer-songwriter, served eight years in the Marine Corps Reserve.

The broadcast will also include appearances from Noah Wyle, Jonathan Banks and Melissa Leo, who will help share stories tied to the evening’s special tribute segments.

Special Tributes Planned for the 2026 Concert

The 2026 National Memorial Day Concert will honor several major moments in American military history.

A 1776 American Revolution tribute will honor the citizen soldiers and militiamen of the thirteen colonies who fought for American independence. The broadcast will also mark the 85th anniversary of Pearl Harbor, remembering the December 7, 1941 attack that brought the United States into World War II.

The concert will include a 25th anniversary remembrance of the September 11 attacks, honoring those who died in New York City, Pennsylvania and at the Pentagon, along with the heroes who responded in the aftermath.

The evening will also pay tribute to Vietnam War veterans, especially those wounded, ill and injured, while recognizing their continued commitment to supporting future generations of service members and military families.

A Gold Star Families tribute will honor the more than one million men and women who have given their lives defending the United States since the nation’s founding. The remembrance will include the traditional playing of Taps at the U.S. Capitol.

How to Watch the 2026 National Memorial Day Concert

The National Memorial Day Concert 2026 airs live on PBS on Sunday, May 24, from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. ET.

The concert will also be available to service members around the world on the American Forces Network. Viewers can stream the broadcast on YouTube and PBS.org, with video on demand available from May 24 through June 7, 2026.

Date: Sunday, May 24, 2026

Time: 8:00–9:30 p.m. ET

TV: PBS

Streaming: YouTube and PBS.org

On Demand: May 24–June 7, 2026