National Memorial Day Concert on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C - Sunday, May 25, 2008

PBS's Memorial Day Concert on Capitol Hill Remembers the Sacrifices of America's Veterans
There's nothing more stirring or wonderfully patriotic than when you the hear the National Symphony Orchestra strike up the first notes of the national anthem and play through rousing musical renditions celebrating each branch of the military.

As described on the PBS Memorial Day Concert website, "The National Memorial Day Concert features uplifting musical performances, documentary footage and dramatic readings that honor all Americans who have served or made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. It is the nation's premier Memorial event... and it provides an outlet for loved ones to remember, grieve and begin to heal. The Concert's mission is to unite the country in remembrance and appreciation of the fallen and to serve those who are grieving." Source: pbs.org/memorialdayconcert

Free Concert National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Erich Kunzel
As a resident or a tourist in the nation's capitol, the National Memorial Day Concert on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C is a delight to see in person and is one of the many free military concerts available to enjoy in Washington, D.C. Because it is free and with increased security, expect long lines to get into attend the event. The best seats in the house are reserved for military families, veterans and government officials. No tickets are required for general seating.

This Year's Co-hosts
For the third year in a row, the National Memorial Day Concert on Capitol Hill will be co-hosted by actor Gary Sinise of "CSI New York" who also co-starred in "Forrest Gump" playing Lieutenant Dan along with distinguished Tony Award-winning actor Joe Mantegna of "Criminal Minds". Dramatic readings and appearances scheduled for the National Memorial Day Concert on Capitol Hill include Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.) and character actor and World War II veteran Charles Durning. Check the PBS website for updates on other musical artists and performers to be announced.

What Time Does the National Memorial Day Concert on Capitol Hill Start?
Gates open at 5:00 pm. Concert 8:00-9:30 pm. Gates to the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. open to the general public at 5:00 pm. It's a good idea to leave alcoholic beverages and items like Swiss army and pocket knives at home to minimize entry delays. Guests will be required to go through a metal detector, bags and parcels will be searched. Do take along small packets of kleenex and handi-wipes as there will be porta-potties but the Capitol will not be open to the public to use their toilet facilities.

How Do You Get to the National Memorial Day Concert on Capitol Hill?
Don't even try taking a car into Washington, D.C. The closest parking would be on Capitol Hill or downtown D.C. which are usually crowded with residents dining out on Sunday. Many streets surrounding the National Memorial Day Concert area will be blocked off and it will be difficult to find parking within walking distance of the concert and you will have to take a bus, metro, taxi or face about a half an hour walk and plenty of pedestrians blocking traffic once the concert lets out. The closest metro stop is Capitol Hill South (Orange/Blue line). Alternate stops are Federal Center SW (Orange/Blue line) and Union Station (Red line). It will be fairly well obvious where to head as there will be plenty of people headed to the memorial day concert on Capitol Hill. Just head to the Southwest corner of the Capitol grounds.

Insider's Tip to Getting the Best Seat in the House for the National Memorial Day Concert
Here's a tip if you want to avoid crowds at the National Memorial Day Concert on Capitol Hill but still enjoy the concert. Washington insiders in the know head to the dress rehearsal the day before on Saturday, May 24th at 7:30 pm. The downside is that sometimes performances have to start and stop so the director can fix camera blocking or other technical problems. But there are far less people. It's still busy but usually you can show up fairly close to the start of the concert and find a seat on the lawn no problem. Granted, you won't be sitting close, but you can still hear the concert and see much of the action on the large video screens. Take a blanket as you may be sitting on damp grass and a sweatshirt or jacket are handy as it sometimes gets cool in the evening. It is after all called the National Memorial Day Concert on Capitol Hill, so some of the best seats are on the steps of the Capitol or on the grassy incline of Capitol Hill where you can enjoy an unobscured view of the concert, enjoy the free music and see the Washington Monument in the distance.

In the Event of Rain or You Can't Make It In Person
The Sunday concert is broadcast live on your local PBS station from 8:00-9:30 pm Eastern Time. Often times the broadcast is repeated later that same evening or on following days so even if you attend the performance, you can see repeat performances. Or if you enjoyed it live, you can see it again later. More than 300,000 people will attend the event live and will be broadcast to millions across the nation, played on National Public Radio and heard and seen overseas by U.S. military personnel in over 175 countries and 200 U.S. Navy ships at seas.

Eulogies for the National Memorial Day Concert
You can "write a remembrance of a fallen loved one" by submitting a eulogy online.

Purpose of the National Memorial Day Concert on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.
Perhaps it's best expressed by the words distinguished actor Charles Durning spoke during the 2004 program:

"In this moment of remembering, we grieve for those whose lives have been taken from us. We mourn their loss tonight. Our grief is a fresh and agonizing wound. Each of the fallen is someone's precious loved one. All across America, we lift up our hearts to you who have to try and adjust to the sudden news of your beloved's death. We know you must bear this burden of grief in the most intimate and personal way. And we want you to know that we embrace you in our hearts and prayers.

We see their names and see their faces... we connect to their stories... and through cherished sacred moments relived in recollections of them, we recognize each as precious in our sight. Though the family's loss cannot be undone, the fallen are not lost to us as long as we summon each one back in our hearts and recall their smiles, their gestures, and their uniqueness. We grieve for them and recognize that their lives and dreams were sacrificed on our behalf.

In remembrance and honor of each of them, let us courageously overcome our fears that so often isolate us from one another in grieving... and with loving kindness, find ways to reach out to console, comfort, and care for one another in these days of war. Through our profound grief, we affirm nothing will ever be able to separate us from the love and respect we offer to each of them. They are precious in our eyes; we honor them; and we love them."

Source: pbs.org/memorialdayconcert