Exclusive: Allison Janney on the National Memorial Day Concert “The West Wing” helped get me involved in issues and take part of events like this.”
By Heather Newgen
Whether they fought on the beaches of Normandy, battled in the jungles of Vietnam, stormed the sands of Iraq, the mountains of Afghanistan or the harsh Korean terrain, Memorial Day gives us a chance to pause and recognize all of the men and women who selflessly sacrificed for our freedom. For the last 29 years, the PBS’ award-winning National Memorial Day Concert has paid special tribute to American’s veterans, and has become the favorite annual tradition for locals to attend and millions to watch.
The Voluntourist was at the patriotic event, that’s held on the West Lawn of the Capitol Building in Washington D.C., and experienced the incredible way the free show highlights stories of real life American heroes who bravely defended our nation’s national security and inspired countless others with their fearless actions.
Every branch of the military was beautifully honored with their armed service songs played by the National Symphony Orchestra led by Jack Everly.
In addition, this year marked the 70th anniversary of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act and the concert paid tribute to the contributions of women in our military throughout history, including the story of Silver Star recipient Leigh Ann Hester, the first woman to receive the honor for combat.
Tony-nominated actress Mary McCormack told the story of how Hester helped save her fellow soldiers in an ambush attack and the segment concluded by honoring women representing generations of service since WWII from the five branches of the military on stage. Academy Award, Golden Globe and Emmy Award winning actress Allison Janney proudly introduced the ladies.
“It’s wonderful to be here to support the men and women who served for our country and who sacrificed the ultimate and honor the families that have lost people in service. It’s the least we can do to be here for them,” Janney told The Voluntourist backstage at the show.
The “I, Tonya” actress revealed it was her time on “The West Wing” that made her more interested in social issues.
“I think it got me more involved with people who were involved with things like this because I wasn’t doing any public service. I think definitely “The West Wing” helped get me involved in issues and take part of events like this.”
And her former co-star Mary McCormack, who asked Janney to be at the show this year, agreed.
“I think being on “West Wing” does make you more politically minded, but one of my favorite things about this concert actually is that it's nonpartisan. It’s nice because our soldiers, who also vote a certain way, when they do their job and make that sacrifice they don’t think about politics. They honor every administration and honor every American, no matter what politics, and this concert is completely bipartisan and I think it’s one of the most special things about it.”
Nashville star Charles Esten, who opened the show with “Some Gave All” by Billy Ray Cyrus, told The Voluntourist, “I grew up here right across the river in Alexandra, Arlington, so I knew what this concert was. When you live near Washington D.C. you see the tomb of the unknown solider and you want to keep remembering them. So one year when I was in high school I went to a local florist. They were super busy delivering to Arlington Cemetery in the days leading up to Memorial Day–people buy flowers and have them delivered.
I asked if they needed help and they hired me. That was my sole duty for that weekend and nothing brought home what it all means like that did as you’re laying these flowers on the graves.”
This year’s event was once again hosted by longtime friends Gary Sinise and Joe Mantegna who told The Voluntourist why the event is so significant to them.
“This is the most important holiday that this country celebrates. It’s the one holiday that allows us to have all the other holidays, meaning without the recognition we make for those who sacrificed for us to live in this country, there’s certainly no reason to have 4th of July or Labor Day, or any other day,” Mantegna said.
He added, “I had five uncles who I was very, very close to and were huge figures in my life because my father spent most of his life ill, disabled. All five of them were World War II veterans and when I think of them, that’s enough incentive right there. They’re all gone now, but one of them I must have brought to the concert 10 times. He was like a fixture here and represented all give of my uncles.”
The “Criminal Minds” star has now hosted the show 17 times and it was at his suggestion Sinise get involved.
“I said, ‘Hey bring Gary and his band in to be part of the talent, which they did. I think it was my third year with the concert. Gary came in with the band and performed and he was as taken as I was my first year. He loved the experience and said, ‘I would do this ever year if you wanted me to,’ and I said well, ‘You can co-host it with me every year. How about that?’ He jumped right on board and it’s been great ever since.”
“We’ve known each other since back in Chicago from the early 70s. Our friendship is well over 40 years. It’s serendipitous that he and I would gravitate towards a similar kind of passion about the military–him in a huge way. In terms of dedication to our military, I walk in his shadow. He does so much for the military all year round,” he continued.
Sinise, who has been involved with the National Memorial Day Concert since 2005, explained why he advocates so much for the military.
“Both “CSI: NY” and “Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders” put me in this place where I’m financial secure and I can devote some of those resources to building this service mission, which is something I’m very devoted to. I have a lot of veterans in my family, I’ve been around our wounded veterans going back to the “Forrest Gump” days, and supported Vietnam veterans going back into the 80s. After September 11th, I just felt called to a mission of service,” he said.
“I’ve met extraordinary people over the years who have inspired me and motivated me and I’ve learned so much from a lot of different people. I saw on that terrible day that we all faced as a nation in response to that, part of that was young men and women signing up to deploy to the war zones. They started getting hurt and they started getting killed. Having Vietnam veterans in my family and remembering what it was like for them to deploy to a war zone and come home to a nation that didn’t treat them very well and turn their back on them. It troubled me to think we would face this terrible attack on our country and our defenders would not be taken care of. I wanted them to know that I supported them,” Sinise continued.
Also participating in the event are the U.S Joint Chiefs of Staff with The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets, The U.S. Army Chorus and Army Voices, The Soldiers Chorus of the U.S. Army Field Band, The U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters, The U.S. Air Force Singing Sergeants, the Armed Forces Color Guard and Service Color Teams provided by the Military District of Washington, D.C.
The concert will also be live-streamed on PBS, YouTube, Facebook and www.pbs.org/national-memorial-day-concert and available as Video on Demand, May 28 to June 10, 2018.