On the Cover for TV Week

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Lidia Bastianich in Lidia Celebrates America: Holidays for Heroes
Lidia Bastianich in Lidia Celebrates America: Holidays for Heroes

It's the Christmas season -- a time for presents, family togetherness and being of good cheer. But for members of our military, this time of year can be emotional, especially for those stationed thousands of miles away from home or struggling to overcome injuries from their service. Whatever their situation, our men and women in uniform deserve a healthy dose of festivity.

Chef Lidia Bastianich, one of PBS' most acclaimed chefs, feels the same way. In honor of our armed forces she's celebrating with the TV special Lidia Celebrates America: Holidays for Heroes. It airs at 9 p.m. Friday on AETN.

Bastianich meets with five veterans who reflect on the challenges and sacrifices of their service, and the pride they take in defending our country. And, like many of us, they too want to be reunited with family during the holidays.

The veterans interviewed are Bryan Anderson and August Dannehl, both of Los Angeles, Yonas Hagos of Yorkville, Ill., Marlene Rodriquez of San Antonio and Willie Sherrer of Methuen, Mass. Along with stories of what foods mean "home" to them, Bastianich will prepare the dishes with the veterans.

The show culminates with a celebratory holiday dinner at Naval Station Norfolk, where Lidia cooks for 250 active duty Navy troops aboard the USS George Washington.

Style on 12/11/2016

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