This week, two days after announcing that Tony-winning actor Joe Mantegna and Golden Globe-winning actor Gary Sinise would be hosting the 2025 Natoinal Memorial Day Concert in Washington D.C. as they usually do, Capital Concerts announced that Mantegna would not be hosting this year and that actor Esai Morales would be stepping in in Mantegna’s absence, but there was not a reason given for the last-minute change.
But Mantegna took to Instagram on Saturday, May 24, to explain why he is unable to be there this year — he has hosted every year since 2006 — and why the job means so much to him, plus that he knows Morales will do a wonderful job honoring the fallen men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces. Thankfully, the simple explanation is that Mantegna has an ear issue and cannot fly right now.
“Though I’m grounded and can’t fly this weekend due to an ear issue, my heart is very much with my dear friends @esai_morales and @garysiniseofficial as they lead this year’s Memorial Day concert to honor our fallen heroes,” writes Mantegna. “I’m especially grateful to @esai_morales for stepping in on my behalf to help carry forward this tribute. Your leadership and heart mean so much, not just to me, but to all who understand the true meaning of this day. Wishing you both a powerful, successful event that brings honor to those we remember and comfort to those who carry their legacy. I’ll be cheering you on from afar. See you next year.”
Ahead of the hosting change, the Criminal Minds star said in a statement that this annual concert is a “powerful reminder of what Memorial Day truly represents.”
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“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,” said Mantegna.
“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.”
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.
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.
