9/11 tribute to open PBS' Memorial Day concert

[May 09, 2011]  LOS ANGELES (AP) -- A tribute to the victims of the Sept. 11 terror attacks will open the 27th annual PBS National Memorial Day Concert on the Capitol lawn in Washington.

Organizers said in a statement that the segment would remember "those who lost their lives that day, and their loved ones, and commemorating the heroism of the firemen and policemen who first responded." The event will also continue the tradition of honoring soldiers and their families.

"CSI: New York" star Gary Sinise and "Criminal Minds" star Joe Mantegna (mahn-TAYN'-yuh) will host the event, which will also feature performances and appearances by "American Idol" finalist Pia Toscano, eighth season "Idol" champion Kris Allen, "Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior" star Forest Whitaker and gospel singer Yolanda Adams.

PBS will broadcast the concert live May 29.

[Associated Press]

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.