Washington, DC (Top40 Charts/ Kirsten Fedewa & Assoc.) - World-renowned tenor Anthony Kearns will sing Amazing
Grace a cappella during the nationally-televised
National Moment of Remembrance, part of the 2010
National Memorial Day Parade, in Washington, D.C. on Mon., May 31 - at 3 p.m. E.T., it was announced today.
The parade will come to a complete stop as Mr. Kearns leads a special tribute to those who have fallen in the line of duty.
"We're pleased to have tenor Anthony Kearns as part of the 2010 National Memorial Day Parade - the largest in the nation," said Jim Roberts, president of the American Veterans Center which organizes the parade.
"As one of the world's most prominent tenors, Anthony Kearns' participation will focus attention on the importance of pausing on Memorial Day to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice," Roberts said. "I'm honored to be a part of this remembrance ceremony for those who have answered the clarion call, especially on this hallowed day," said Kearns, the only remaining founding member of the popular singing group, The Irish Tenors. Mr. Kearns also has a flourishing international solo career.
"It's my privilege to sing and dedicate Amazing Grace to American soldiers who have died defending freedom," said Kearns. Composed by John Newton over two hundred years ago, Amazing Grace is one of the most compelling songs in the English language, he said.
Parade organizers expect to draw 300,000 spectators. Television coverage will include the Military Channel, the Pentagon Channel, American Life Network, and News Channel 8 (local), among others.
Mr. Kearns joins an impressive roster of parade participants, including General Peter Pace, 16th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who will serve as Grand Marshal. Honorary Marshals are Gary Sinise, star of CSI: New York, and Joe Mantegna, leading actor in Criminal Minds. The parade's Reviewing Officer is General James Amos, Assistant Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps. For information, visit www.nationalmemorialdayparade.com.
"Amazing Grace's message of salvation is appropriate for Memorial Day. How fitting for this song to be sung by Anthony Kearns, one of the most gifted tenors of our time, to honor the contributions of those who have fallen in freedom's defense," said Kirsten Fedewa, Kearns' publicist.
