- Share this article on Facebook
- Share this article on Twitter
- Share this article on Flipboard
- Share this article on Email
- Show additional share options
- Share this article on Linkedin
- Share this article on Pinit
- Share this article on Reddit
- Share this article on Tumblr
- Share this article on Whatsapp
- Share this article on Print
- Share this article on Comment
HBO is going all out to support veterans.
The premium cable network is teaming with executive producer Tom Hanks and Starbucks to present The Concert for Valor, a live all-star event to be broadcast live from the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
The event will be broadcast live on both coasts on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. HBO will offer its affiliates the opportunity to open the signal — meaning cable providers can broadcast the live event to nonsubscribers free of charge.
The talent set to participate in the live event includes Eminem, Jamie Foxx, Dave Grohl, Metallica, John Oliver, Rihanna, Bruce Springsteen, Carrie Underwood and Zac Brown Band, among others. Meryl Streep, Hanks and Steven Spielberg are among those scheduled for special appearances.
See more 40 Years of HBO
Executive produced by Gary Goetzman, Hanks and Joel Gallen, the latter of whom will direct, the concert marks Goetzman and Hanks’ latest venture pegged to veterans, following miniseries The Pacific, Band of Brothers and John Adams. Former secretary of defense and Starbucks board member Robert Gates and former chairman of the U.S. joint chiefs of staff Admiral Michael Mullen will serve in an advisory capacity on the concert when it comes to veterans outreach and service organizations that will receive concert donations.
HBO says the concert is the first of its kind to honor the courage and sacrifice of America’s veterans and their families on the National Mall. The event, similar in nature to its Comic Relief benefits, is considered an awareness-builder and will include financial donation opportunities that will be announced at a later date.
“We are honored to play a small role to help raise awareness and support for our service men and women,” HBO chairman and CEO Richard Plepler said. “Their immeasurable sacrifice deserves our nation’s gratitude. This event will not only celebrate their service, but help remind Americans of the many challenges they face on and off the battlefield. We are delighted to join with Starbucks in our mutual effort to pay tribute to our veterans and those currently serving in the military.”
Added Starbucks chairman, president and CEO Howard Schultz: “The post-9/11 years have brought us the longest period of sustained warfare in our nation’s history. The less than one percent of Americans who volunteered to serve during this time have afforded the rest of us remarkable freedoms — but that freedom comes with a responsibility to understand their sacrifice, to honor them and to appreciate the skills and experience they offer when they return home. As many now seek re-employment, now is the time to offer them opportunities to work in our communities to do what they do best: solve problems and lead with selfless service. The Concert for Valor represents a significant and historic opportunity to demonstrate our country’s potential to come together as a nation, and do right by those who have done so much for us. They’ve stepped up. Now it’s our turn.”
Email: Lesley.Goldberg@THR.com
Twitter: @Snoodit
Related Stories
THR Newsletters
Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day