Country stars and veterans to hold candlelight ceremony at Arlington for America's 250th birthday

Country stars, veterans and lawmakers will host a candlelight ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia on Monday to mark America's 250th birthday.

"Memorial Day is a sacred reminder that freedom is never free. We honor the brave men and women who gave their lives defending America and its founding principles that we hold dear," said Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins, the event's master of ceremonies. "Their sacrifice is the foundation of American freedom, and we thank God for their courage."

Freedom250, the nonpartisan group coordinating the broader America250 effort, said the evening will serve as a national tribute to America's fallen heroes through storytelling, music, remembrance and reflection.

Grammy Award-winning country artist Gretchen Wilson will perform. "I am overwhelmed to have been asked to honor the fallen heroes and their families this Memorial Day. What a sacred place, I pray I do it justice," she said.

The program will honor Medal of Honor recipient, West Point graduate and Vietnam prisoner of war Capt. Humbert "Rocky" Versace, highlighting his faith, leadership and resilience during captivity.

The evening will also honor Capt. Daniel W. Eggers, a U.S. Army Special Forces officer, Green Beret and Citadel graduate who was killed in Afghanistan while serving alongside Afghan commandos in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel.

Veteran and national security leader Jason Beardsley, Medal of Honor recipient Maj. Gen. Patrick Henry Brady, historian Dr. Mark Moyar and members of the Eggers family are expected to share personal reflections on military service and sacrifice.

"Memorial Day is about more than remembrance," Beardsley said. "It is about preserving the legacy of those who gave everything for this country and ensuring future generations understand the true cost of freedom."

A wreath-laying and National Memorial Day Observance will be streamed live. Veteran and country singer Craig Morgan will perform during the wreath-laying pre-program.

The candlelight tribute begins at 8:30 p.m. ET and concludes at 10:00 p.m. ET.