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National Memorial Day Concert
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With the war in Iraq now in its fourth year and thousands of U.S. troops still stationed in Afghanistan, the military personnel who put their lives on the line to serve our country are a vital concern for many Americans this year.

On Memorial Day weekend, PBS will unite the nation in remembrance of those who are suffering and have died when the annual NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT (2007), broadcast live on PBS from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, airs Sunday, May 27, at 7 p.m. on KUED-Channel 7, before an expected on-site audience of more than 300,000. It can also be seen overseas on American Forces Radio and Television Networks by U.S. military personnel in more than 175 countries and aboard more than 200 U.S. Navy ships at sea.

While the NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT (2007) commemorates all Americans who have served or made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, this year’s event will focus on the servicemen and women who have been injured in the line of duty and will examine the history of the hallowed burial ground of Arlington National Cemetery. Acclaimed actors Gary Sinise (“CSI: New York”) and Tony Award-winner Joe Mantegna will reunite for a second time to co-host a moving and reverential tribute to America’s heroes. Both Sinise and Mantegna have dedicated themselves to veterans’ causes and supporting our active service troops.

General Colin Powell will lead a timely examination of the impact of the Iraq war on wounded soldiers and their families, especially as they contend with long-term disabilities and vastly changed expectations for the future. The program will also reflect on Arlington National Cemetery, one of the country’s most important shrines, whose history dates from the Civil War. The special emphasis will be on Section 60, which serves as the final resting place for those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Once again the NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT will feature musical performances, documentary footage and dramatic readings and will include an all-star line-up of dignitaries, actors and musical artists, including singer and songwriter Natalie Cole; Academy Award-winning actress Dianne Wiest; country music sensation Josh Turner; Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning actor Jimmy Smits; five-time Grammy award-winner CeCe Winans; and distinguished actor Charles Durning, a decorated U.S. Army veteran of World War II.

The National Symphony Orchestra will perform under the direction of maestro Erich Kunzel.

THE 2007 National Memorial Day Concert airs Sunday, May 27, at 7 p.m., on KUED- Channel 7.

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