I just finished watching the 19th annual Memorial Day concert, broadcast live from the nation's capital.

Along with co-hosts Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise, several singers and actors paid tribute to those who gave their lives while serving their country. The personal stories were so moving, and the musical selections were properly patriotic.

However, I have two questions:

Why Sarah Brightman? She's not even American. Sure, she sang a beautiful "Requiem," but then had to follow it with an overly operatic "There You'll Be," otherwise known as the theme from the movie "Pearl Harbor." Now, I'll be the first to admit that I hated the tune when it first came out because it was overplayed on every radio station I listened to. However, seven years later, the Faith Hill tune is on my iPod, and I love to listen to it when it comes up in the rotation.

Does Rodney Atkins own anything besides T-shirts and jeans and a baseball cap? I mean, that may be his usual style, but I would think that this occasion calls for something a bit more dressed-up and respectful. Brightman and all the others -- including Gladys Knight, Idina Menzel and John Schneider -- were all attired in tasteful evening wear. Would it have been too much for Atkins to put on a button-down shirt and tie? (I'll cut him some slack on the sport coat.) And maybe switch out the cap for another type of hat? Just sayin'.