Tonight on PBS, Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise again host the annual Memorial Day concert on the U.S. Capitol lawn. It will be broadcast on PBS at 8:00-9:30 Eastern time.

Each year, the National Memorial Day Concert presents a unique program honoring the valor and patriotism of Americans who have served our country. The show pays tribute to their sacrifices, as well as those of their families and loved ones.

As the war in Afghanistan winds down, the 2014 National Memorial Day Concert will recognize our servicemen and servicewomen with a special “welcome home” to thank veterans who served in Afghanistan.

In these segments of the show, we’ll feature a story about a critically wounded veteran suffering from severe physical injuries and the grave invisible wounds of war. We’ll also focus on the story of a mother coping with grief after the death of her son, the first to die in Afghanistan. His service inspired her to become actively involved with Gold Star Mothers. Now she is helping other mothers with their loss, grief and healing as they move forward with their lives.

The 70th anniversary of the D-Day invasion also will be commemorated in 2014. World War II veterans who participated in the invasion, a seminal moment that turned the tides of war in favor of the Allies, will be honored and featured in this tribute to the sacrifices of our nation’s Greatest Generation.

This year the National Memorial Day Concert will also mark its 25th anniversary, featuring a reflection of the many stories of service and sacrifice presented throughout the years. These heartfelt moments have brought us together as one family of Americans, paying tribute to those who defend our freedom.