HBO and Starbucks announced a free, all-star concert to honor America’s veterans and their families, which will be presented live on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.
The “Concert for Valor,” which will be held on the National Mall in Washington D.C., will feature Eminem, Jamie Foxx, Dave Grohl, Metallica, John Oliver, Rihanna, Bruce Springsteen, Carrie Underwood and Zac Brown Band, as well as special appearances by Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg, among others.
HBO will offer its affiliates the opportunity to open the signal, allowing nonsubscribers to view the special to broaden the audience, as it did with its “Comic Relief” specials.
The live event will be executive-produced by Gary Goetzman, Tom Hanks and Joel Gallen, who will also direct.
The idea came from the two companies’ CEOs, who wanted to recognize the heroism of the active people in the military, and raise awareness of the value veterans have brought to society.
“We are honored to play a small role to help raise awareness and support for our service men and women,” said HBO chairman and CEO Richard Plepler. “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.”
Starbucks chairman, president and CEO Howard Schultz said, “’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.”
Last November, Starbucks committed to hiring at least 10,000 veterans and active military spouses over the next five years. In April, the Schultz Family Foundation, co-founded by Schultz and his wife, Sheri, committed $30 million to support veterans’ transition to civilian life.
