Tony-winning actor Joe Mantegna has hosted the National Memorial Day Concert in Washington, D.C., since 2006. He was announced as the host for 2025 on May 20, and then two days later, it was announced that Esai Morales was stepping in for Mantegna.
On May 20, Capital Concerts said in a press release that longtime host Mantegna and his usual co-hosting partner Gary Sinise would return again this year.
“This concert is a powerful reminder of what Memorial Day truly represents,” said Mantegna in a statement. “It offers comfort, connection, and community for families who have lost loved ones in service to our country, honoring their sacrifice with the dignity and gratitude they deserve.”
“Joe and I are honored to host this annual tribute to our American heroes — past and present — that salutes the courage and commitment of those who have served and those who continue to serve,” added Sinise. “The freedoms we enjoy are made possible by the brave men and women who wear the uniform.”
But then on May 22, Capital Concerts announced that Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning actor Morales is “stepping in” for Mantegna for the 36th annual concert. No reason was given as to why the Criminal Minds star is not able to host this year.
Other celebrity guests this year include Robert Patrick, Blair Underwood, and Gretchen Mol, with musical performances by Mary McCormack,Loren Allred, Scotty Hasting, Yolanda Adams, Angel Blue and the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of top pops conductor Jack Everly.
Patrick is hosting the segment celebrating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, Mol is hosting the Gold Star Families tribute, and Underwood is honoring the Vietnam War Dustoff Crews.
The 36th annual Memorial Day Concert will air live on Sunday, May 25, from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. ET on PBS. It also airs the troops around the world on the Armed Forces Network, and it streams for free on YouTube. The concert will also be available via Video on Demand from May 25 to June 8.
National Memorial Day Concert Host Replaced at the Last Minute first appeared on Parade on May 24, 2025