National Memorial Day Concert 2025: How to Watch the Star-Studded Lineup, Air Time & Streaming Details

Hometown heroes, Grammy winners and Hollywood stars will gather on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol this Sunday, May 25, for the 36th annual National Memorial Day Concert 2025, a 90-minute tribute that blends live music with powerful stories of sacrifice. Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise return as co-hosts, continuing a partnership that has made the PBS telecast one of the network’s most-watched programs each year. Key performers confirmed by PBS include gospel icon Yolanda Adams, “The Greatest Showman” vocalist Loren Allred, Grammy-winning soprano Angel Blue, Broadway favorite Mary McCormack and Army veteran-turned-country singer Scotty Hasting; they’ll be backed by the National Symphony Orchestra under conductor Jack Everly. Tributes That Anchor the 2025 Program • Gold Star Families: Actress Gretchen Mol shares the journey of Krista Simpson Anderson, whose Green Beret husband was killed in Afghanistan. • 80th Anniversary of WWII’s End: Actor Robert Patrick honors Iwo Jima Marine veteran Don Graves. • Vietnam 50th Anniversary: Blair Underwood narrates the heroism of “Dustoff” medevac crews, featuring Col. Otis Evans. • 250 Years of the Army, Navy and Marine Corps: A look back at America’s oldest fighting forces. When, Where & How to Watch • Broadcast: Live on PBS Sunday, May 25, 8-9:30 p.m. ET (check local listings). • Streaming: Simultaneous stream on PBS.org, YouTube and the PBS App, plus American Forces Network for troops overseas. • On-Demand: Free replay on PBS platforms through June 8. Planning to Attend in Person? The concert and an open dress rehearsal at 8 p.m. Saturday, May 24, are free to the public, with gates opening at 5 p.m. Security screening is mandatory; leave weapons, glass bottles, alcohol, drones and large umbrellas at home. Low-profile lawn chairs, food and sealed water are permitted. Road closures along First Street, Pennsylvania Avenue and Maryland Avenue begin Thursday evening, so Metro or rideshare is strongly advised. ADA parking is available on Louisiana Avenue and First Street during concert hours. Why the National Memorial Day Concert Matters Since 1989, the broadcast has provided a unifying national moment to commemorate service members who gave their lives in defense of the United States. Last year the program reached more than 10 million viewers across broadcast and digital platforms, and organizers expect similar interest in 2025 as the nation approaches major WWII, Vietnam and service-branch milestones. FAQ for Searchers Q: Is the National Memorial Day Concert free to attend? A: Yes, both the May 24 dress rehearsal and May 25 concert are free; arrive early for security checks. Q: Can I watch outside the United States? A: The American Forces Network carries the program worldwide; PBS’s YouTube stream is also geo-unlocked. Q: How long is the 2025 concert? A: 90 minutes, including live performances, military salutes and filmed segments. Q: What hashtag should I use on social media? A: #MemorialDayConcert is the official tag for posts on X, Instagram and Facebook. Whether you tune in from your living room or stand beneath the Capitol dome, the 2025 National Memorial Day Concert invites all Americans to pause, remember and recommit to the ideals for which our fallen heroes served.