LITTLE ROCK — Happy Veterans Day, America.
And thank you to all those in uniform.
Do you get confused about the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day? Although both honor American servicemen and women, Memorial Day — the last Monday in May — is set aside to honor those veterans who died while in service.
Veterans Day is designed to honor all who have served the country in the armed forces.
As a veteran, I’ve always appreciated the thanks when someone learns I served in the Air Force during Vietnam. In those days, a warm welcome home was not always in the cards.
When I came home from duty at a “secret” base in northeast Thailand, I was advised not to travel in uniform just in case I ran into some unruly protesters.
I wore it anyway. Nobody bothered me.
Serving the country is a tradition in many families. My father fought with the 2nd Armored Division and toured North Africa and Sicily with Gen. George Patton during World War II. He was also young enough to be recalled during the Korean War.
My wife’s father was a captain in the Navy during two wars. Her brother was also a Navy man, and I have a nephew currently in the Navy flying on submarine hunters. Our thanks to them all.
The date for Memorial Day changes from year to year, but Veterans Day is always Nov. 11 to mark the anniversary of the armistice that ended World War 1. It’s a day of celebration, remembrance and gratitude and PBS does it up right.
The National Salute to Veterans will air at 7 p.m. today on PBS and AETN as “a tribute to the service and sacrifice of America’s 22 million veterans.”
Once again, the program will be hosted by actors Joe Mantegna (Criminal Minds) and Gary Sinise (CSI: New York). The good friends have long been strong proponents of veterans’ causes.
Viewers might recall Sinise’s memorable performance as the wounded “Lt. Dan” who lost his legs in Vietnam in 1994’s Forrest Gump.
Make a note: Among this year’s performers is Arkansas’ own American Idol winner, Kris Allen.
The hour-long program features new footage relating to the importance of Veterans Day, as well as highlights of the best moments from past National Memorial Day concerts.
One of the most moving Memorial Day concert moments was last year when Allen sang Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA” while shaking hands and embracing troops in the audience. A sea of spectators singing along swept back from the stage to the Capitol steps beyond.
“This goes out to all the troops,” Allen said before he began. “Thank you so much for everything you do. And for the ones who’ve just come back ... welcome home.”
Featured segments in the National Salute to Veterans will include:
A special thank you to our troops who have been serving in Iraq and Afghanistan by retired Army Gen. Colin Powell. Powell will introduce Allen, who will have a special musical tribute to those still serving in those countries.
A heartfelt tribute to the nation’s wounded warriors for their bravery and service to country.
A look at how veterans and their families are coping with the enduring, and often invisible, wounds of war.
The touching story of the healing friendship between a young woman and a Vietnam veteran who served with her father.
Other than Powell and Allen, the all-star lineup includes Academy Award, Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning actor Forest Whitaker (The Last King of Scotland); actors A.J. Cook (Criminal Minds) and Jason Ritter (Parenthood); and gospel singer Yolanda Adams.
Also on hand will be Season 10 American Idol finalist Pia Toscano and last season’s winner of NBC’s The Voice, singer-songwriter Javier Colon.
Musical accompaniment will be by the National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Jack Everly.
The program will also be broadcast to our troops serving around the world on the American Forces Network.
SPECIAL PROGRAM
At 6 p.m. preceding the National Salute to Veterans, AETN will air the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival, taped in Fayetteville in 2011. The hour special will feature veterans from across the country performing in a stage show.
The variety show features singing and musical numbers, choral selections, and dance and drama acts performed by veterans who are receiving or have received treatment at Veterans Affairs medical facilities nationwide.
TV Week, Pages 87 on 11/11/2012