Tom Hanks is honoring veterans once again, and his latest mission is to join forces with HBO to present “The Concert For Valor,” a star-studded concert held on Veteran’s Day to honor those who have served.
Hanks, who has before said the nation is obligated to care for its veterans, will be the executive producer for the concert, featuring performances from Eminem, Rihanna, Dave Grohl, Metallica, Bruce Springsteen, and Jamie Foxx.
Starbucks, which pledged in 2013 to hire at least 10,000 veterans, is also teaming up with HBO and Hanks, and the event, created to “honor the courage and sacrifice of America’s veterans and their families,” will have appearances from Steven Spielberg and Meryl Streep.
HBO is broadcasting the concert, and is even making the stream free for its affiliates so nonsubscribers can watch as well. Its chairman and CEO Richard Plepler wants the concert to build awareness.
“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.”
Though it isn’t clear how yet, there are going to be financial donation opportunities.
It has been 16 years since Hanks starred in the war epic “Saving Private Ryan,” but long before his role in the film, Hanks called the military “a fabric of life,” and thinks America should take good care of its veterans.
“It’s not just our job, it’s the duty of the rest of the country in order to care for these people after the fact,” Hanks said. “Otherwise, what does that say about us as a democracy?”
Hanks also supports “Volunteers of America,” which attempts to house homeless veterans in the Los Angeles area, while providing other support services.
Veterans Day is Nov. 11.