Tony Award winner Joe Mantegna and Emmy Award winner Gary Sinise co-host the evening, which begins with a performance of the "National Anthem" sung by Trent Harmon, the final winner of American Idol.

The 90-minute program also features General Colin L. Powell USA (Ret.); four-time Grammy Award-winning classical superstar Renee Fleming; music legends The Beach Boys; actress and singer Katharine McPhee; country music star and Grammy-nominated member of the Grand Ole Opry, Trace Adkins; Emmy, Golden Globe and SAG Award-winning actress S. Epatha Merkerson; award-winning actor Esai Morales; and Alfie Boe, who recently joined the Broadway cast of Finding Neverland. The National Symphony Orchestra is under the direction of pops conductor Jack Everly.

The concert, according to press notes, is "dedicated to our men and women in uniform, their families at home and all those who have given their lives for our country. Live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, the night of remembrance will honor the over 400,000 valiant men and women who are laid to rest in the hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery; and chronicle the experiences of the millions of American veterans who still suffer from the seen and unseen wounds of war."

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, 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.