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 30 years, the award-winning PBS National Memorial Day Concert has paid special tribute to American veterans, and has become the favorite annual tradition for locals to attend and millions to watch.

By: Heather Newgen

The 90-minute patriotic show is held on the West Lawn of the Capitol Building in Washington D.C., and includes dramatic readings from Hollywood’s finest stars retelling the experiences of soldiers, standout performances by top artists and American heroes getting well deserved recognition. The event perfectly blends celebration with reflection, and every branch of the military is beautifully honored with their armed service songs played by the National Symphony Orchestra led by Jack Everly.

Tony Award-winner Joe Mantegna and Tony Award-nominated actress Mary McCormack co-hosted this year’s annual event. The “West-Wing” star has appeared on the broadcast for the last two years to share the stories of Gold Star families and Silver Star recipients, but stepped in for Gary Sinise, who has been a longtime host with Mantegna, but couldn’t participate this year “due to circumstances beyond his control.”

“I’m excited. It’s a real honor. I love being part of the show,” McCormack told The Voluntourist. “I would come and set up chairs or put out snacks [just to be a part of it]. I’m a stalker of the show. It’s so moving. It’s impossible not to get swept up in it.”

For Mantegna, he’s been involved for almost two decades now with the PBS National Memorial Day Concert and says it’s the most important thing he does of the year.

“I’ve had a good life and I know it came on the backs of a lot of other people. Freedom isn’t free. People paid a great price.”

In addition to his hosting duties, the “Criminal Minds” actor teamed up with his buddy Dennis Haysbert to tell the journey of Vietnam veterans Brad Kennedy and Ernest “Pete” Peterson who were reunited five years ago.

WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 26: Acclaimed actor Dennis Haysbert (L) and Tony Award-winner Joe Mantegna (R) onstage at the 2019 National Memorial Day Concert at U.S. Capitol, West Lawn on May 26, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Capital Concerts Inc.)[/caption]

“To be able to tell this incredible story with Dennis of these two men who are friends, as Dennis and I are friends, in a way it makes me realize that the kind of friendship that we have didn’t have to go through the trials and tribulations, pain and suffering that these guys did. Our job is to do the best recounting of history as possible.”

Haysbert added, “I’ve known Joe for years and we’re both very sensitive individuals. We take the text and break it down in a very serious and emotional way. It’s special. I cried like a baby [when I heard their story] It’s an incredible honor and a privilege to be able to tell these stories. They want to tell these stories and the American people need to hear it.”

Oscar-nominated actor Sam Elliott was also on hand at the 30th PBS National Memorial Day Concert. “The Ranch” star told the story of U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Ray Lambert who saved countless lives on D-Day.

RELATED: How Sergeant Ray Lambert is Honoring his Fellow Soldiers 75 Years after D-Day

“I’ve watched this thing for a number of years on television since Ossie Davis was hosting. I’ve known several men over the years who have been in the heart of combat and it’s always touched me to hear those kind of encounters. We civilians rarely get an opportunity to hear those encounters. When I read the story I was totally taken by it. I’m honored to say his words and tell his tale.”

WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 26: Academy Award-nominated actor Sam Elliott (L) greets 98-year-old Ray Lambert, highly-decorated WWII combat medic who landed on Omaha Beach during D-Day, at the 2019 National Memorial Day Concert at U.S. Capitol, West Lawn on May 26, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Capital Concerts Inc.)[/caption]

Gold Star Wife Ursula Palmer was an honoree as well at this year’s PBS National Memorial Day Concert for the inspiring ways she gave back to others while coping with the death of her husband Army Sergeant First Class Collin Bowen.

RELATED: How Gold Star Wife Ursula Palmer found love after tragedy

“Station 19” actress Jaina Lee Ortiz told her emotional journey of overcoming inconsolable anguish and finding happiness after tragedy.

“It’s a very challenging story to tell because you can’t help but imagine what her experiences were. Just to be in her shoes for those three minutes is heartbreaking, but also inspiring. I admire her strength and her will to move forward and continue living life. It’s something that you don’t ever forget, It stays with you forever. It’s a story I think everyone should hear. Hopefully it touches people.”

WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 26: Television star Jaina Lee Ortiz onstage at the 2019 National Memorial Day Concert at U.S. Capitol, West Lawn on May 26, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Capital Concerts Inc.)

Ortiz continued, “My mom passed this past November. They say grief is a gift and it’s one of the gifts that I can use telling this story. [I’m using those emotions to draw on for, but] also imagination. Having been in love and having been married, just imagine your soul mate going off and possibly never seeing him again. That’s got to be something that eats at your every day.”

All-star musicians Patti LaBelle, Gavin DeGraw, Justin Moore, Amber Riley, and Tony-nominated Hamilton star Christopher Jackson performed, and “American Idol” contestant Alyssa Rahgu kicked things off with the National Anthem.

Watch the PBS National Memorial Day Concert here or watch on Demand until June 9, 2019.