Narrated by country music star Luke Bryan, this hourlong documentary focuses on those who witnessed the official Japanese surrender on Sept. 2, 1945, ending World War II. Witnesses included sailors, soldiers and marines aboard the USS MIssouri that day, plus pilots who flew over the ceremonies and those on other nearby ships. Just getting a view of the surrender signing was the goal of everyone on the USS Missouri.
It was one of the most monumental days in history, and only a few remain alive who witnessed the formal surrender that morning. Through interviews with those who served on the battleship, the film follows the USS Missouri from its construction, through varied battles in the Pacific, to its final resting place as a memorial and museum in Pearl Harbor.
Narrated by Matthew Broderick, this documentary follows the family of Raymond Haerry Sr. as they travel to the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, Hawaii, to place his ashes aboard the sunken battleship. Following the Pearl Harbor attack on Dec. 7, 1941, 19-year-old Haerry was blown into the water and swam through oil and fire to Ford Island, an islet in the center of Pearl Harbor, Oahu. There he found a rifle and opened fire on Japanese planes. Later, he helped to recover the bodies of his fallen shipmates.
The story of female veterans is as varied as the story of females in all walks of life. This 30-minute local production highlights many of the challenges and successes of area women in uniform. Examples include a young mother who now serves in the Army Reserve, a young couple who are both veterans, a female general and a nurse who is in the reserves.
The show also speaks about Sharon Lane, a Canton resident who was the first female casualty of the Vietnam War. In addition, it touches on female veterans’ high rate of homelessness and how Summit County Executive Ilean Shapiro has gotten involved in helping homeless female veterans.
Only 3% of those who served during World War II are still
alive today. Once they are gone, what will happen to the story of their sacrifice? MEMOIRS OF WORLD WAR II is dedicated to preserving the history and memories of those who served in the war.
Through the personal accounts of real-life World War II veterans, this program honors their sacrifice. It also offers younger generations an understanding of what it was like to live through the war and what lessons can be learned from it.
On the eve of Memorial Day, a start-studded lineup graces the stage for one of PBS’s highest-rated programs. This multi-award-winning television event honors the military service and sacrifice of all our men and women in uniform, their families and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
The program also will stream live on PBS video apps. It will remain available for viewing for two weeks following the live broadcast.
Performed live before a 2,000-person audience inside the National Cathedral, this program is combination of entertainment, historical re-creation and pre-produced packages about the concerns, experiences and successes of veterans.
The United States Marine Corps Orchestra and Cathedral Choir anchor entertainment. An eclectic mix of musical performers features veterans. There are features on presidents George H. Bush and Jimmy Carter, both veterans. Interviews with vets from WWII to Afghanistan tell their stories.