HONORING OUR SERVICEMEN AND WOMEN
The National Memorial Day Concert honors our country’s veterans, servicemen and women and military families. The concert unites the country in remembrance and appreciation of those who gave their lives for our nation. As well as those who are grieving through the mission put forward in Abraham Lincoln second inaugural address. “Let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation’s wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan.”
Salute to the Services
The Salute to Services segment of the concert, performed just prior to the address by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is an annual tradition to honor and salute the men and women who are serving or have served in the six official branches of our armed forces and their families.
THE NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: The 2023–2024 season is the National Symphony Orchestra’s 93rd season and Music Director Gianandrea Noseda’s seventh season.
THE U.S. ARMY CHORUS: In 1956, The U.S. Army Chorus was established as the vocal counterpart of The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own.” From its inception, the 34-member chorus has established and maintained a reputation of excellence in the performance of choral literature.
THE U.S. ARMY HERALD TRUMPETS: Founded in 1959 and patterned after traditional British “fanfare” trumpet ensembles, The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets were formed to add pageantry to official military ceremonies.
THE SOLDIERS’ CHORUS OF THE U.S. ARMY FIELD BAND:
The Soldiers’ Chorus, founded in 1957, is the vocal complement of the United States Army Field Band of Washington, D.C. The 29-member mixed choral ensemble travels throughout the nation and abroad, performing as a separate component and in joint concerts with the Concert Band of the “Musical Ambassadors of the Army.”
THE U.S. AIR FORCE SINGING SERGEANTS: Featuring 24 active-duty musicians, the chorus supports ceremonial and diplomatic functions, educational outreach events and concerts throughout the United States and around the world.
THE U.S. NAVY BAND SEA CHANTERS: The U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters chorus performs a variety of music including traditional choral music, sea chanteys, patriotic fare, opera, Broadway and contemporary music.
THE MILITARY DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON: The Military District of Washington works with Capital Concerts in coordinating the Department of Defense participation of the Premier Service Bands and Service Honor Guards.