Submitted Photo The GI’s of Comedy plan a May 23 show at the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts.

JAMESTOWN — The National Comedy Center, the United States’ official cultural institution and museum dedicated to comedy, has announced that it will be presenting “The GI’s of Comedy” live on stage on Saturday, May 23 as it honors our active military and veterans during Memorial Day weekend. The show will be held at the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts, just three blocks from the National Comedy Center.

The GI’s of Comedy is an acclaimed, professional stand-up comedy troupe who have taken their love of their country and brought it the comedy stage. As their motto says, they are “Stand-up Comics. All Veterans. Still Serving Their Country. One Joke at a Time.” Featuring founder Thom Tran (US Army), James P. Connolly (US Marine) and Les Jennings (US Air Force), their mission is to help heal their fellow soldiers with their comedy, and to bring laughter to all those who have supported the people who wear the uniform of the United States Armed Forces. The troupe has performed in 30 states and nearly two dozen countries.

“The National Comedy Center is honored to present The GI’s of Comedy on Memorial Day weekend and offer this ‘comedic troupe of troops’ performance free to active military and veterans,” stated Malachi Livermore, Director of Programming and Guest Experience at the National Comedy Center. “There is no better way for us to salute our troops than to share the laughter by featuring these talented comedians and veterans live on stage.”

The GI’s of Comedy is the brainchild of comedian, writer, producer and former US Army Staff Sergeant Thom Tran. Having served in Iraq during Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, Tran was medically retired in 2005 after he was wounded in combat in Iraq. After returning to civilian live, comedy became the only real therapy for Tran, who continues to struggle with Post-Combat Trauma, as many veterans do.

Tickets are on sale now at comedycenter.org. The show is offered free to active military and veterans.

The National Comedy Center will be welcoming visitors and veterans throughout Memorial Day weekend, when it will also kick off its 2020 “Comedy Under the Stars” free movie presentations on its jumbo outdoor screens with the comedy favorite, “Airplane,” showing on the evening of Friday, May 22 at 8 p.m.

With over 50 immersive exhibits, including a presentation in its “Laughing Matters” gallery on the history of USO∏∏ comedy shows with artifacts from the career of Bob Hope, the National Comedy Center takes visitors on a laugh-filled journey through the world of comedy as they explore the great minds and unique voices that have elevated comedy to an art form.

A special museum admission discount is available for active military and veterans. The National Comedy Center is open seven days a week. Plan your visit at ComedyCenter.org.