US veterans, troops honored at Memorial Day Concert in Washington DC

WASHINGTON DC - A star-studded lineup graced the stage on the Washington Mall Sunday night (Monday, Manila time) for the 25th National Memorial Day Concert.

Newly minted American Idol winner Caleb Johnson started off the concert with the National Anthem.

Danielle Bradbery, winner of "The Voice," also sang a tribute to a fallen soldier, Kris Stonesifer.

Stonesifer's mother, Ruth, is the president of the Gold Star Mothers, a group that honors mothers of fallen troops.

Musical stars like Jennifer Nettles and classical crossover singer Jackie Evancho honored American troops with songs like "America the Beautiful" and "Somewhere" from West Side Story.

Sharing the stage with hosts Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise were returning troops from Afghanistan and Iraq.

"For 13 long years Americans have been saying goodbye to their loved ones, waiting anxiously with full hearts and open arms to welcome them back. It gives me great pleasure this evening to ask everyone in the audience to stand and with your ovation welcome back our troops. Welcome home!" cheered former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Colin Powell.

The concert has become an American tradition, celebrating the Memorial Day holiday by remembering the fallen, the wounded and those who serve. — Reuters