PBS and Capital Concerts Present NATIONAL SALUTE TO VETERANS Today, 11/11

PBS and Capital Concerts announced the broadcast of the NATIONAL SALUTE TO VETERANS, airing on PBS tonight, November 11, 2012, at 8:00 p.m. ET, in honor of the service and sacrifice of our 22 million American veterans. Hosted by acclaimed actors Joe Mantegna ("Criminal Minds") and Gary Sinise ("CSI: New York"), the national television event celebrates the American heroes who have served throughout our country's history. The program will also be broadcast to our troops serving around the world on the American Forces Network.

The one-hour program is produced by Capital Concerts, the nation's leading producer of live holiday specials and the production force behind A CAPITOL FOURTH and the NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT. These two celebrations of America's most important holidays have become annual traditions, and are consistently among the top ten rated shows on PBS from year-to-year.

The NATIONAL SALUTE TO VETERANS will feature new footage shot with co-hosts Mantegna and Sinise, as well as a selection of "best of the best" moments from past NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERTS. The all-star line-up includes distinguished American leader General Colin L. Powell USA (Ret.); Academy Award, Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning actor Forest Whitaker; "American Idol" finalist Pia Toscano; singer-songwriter Javier Colon (winner of "The Voice"); "American Idol" winner Kris Allen; acclaimed actors A.J. Cook and Jason Ritter; and gospel legend Yolanda Adams, accompanied by the National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by maestro Jack Everly.

"PBS is honored to have the opportunity to salute America's 22 million veterans," said PBS senior vice president & chief TV programming executive John F. Wilson. "This program will bring together distinguished American leaders, artists and performers in celebration of those who have served and sacrificed so much for their country."

"Our military members have a long and proud tradition of service and sacrifice," said Capital Concerts executive producer Jerry Colbert. "We are honored to present this new broadcast in profound gratitude to our veterans and their families, and in promise to them that their dedication to our country will never be forgotten."

Featured segments in the NATIONAL SALUTE TO VETERANS will include:

A special thank you to our troops who have been serving in Iraq and Afghanistan by General Colin Powell;