Memorial Day
WHYY honors America's veterans on TV12
Edited by Jill Zayszly
During the month of May, WHYY is airing a variety of programs on TV12 that celebrate, honor and remember America's veterans.
On the eve of Memorial Day, Sunday, May 26, tune into TV12 beginning at 1:30 p.m. for an entire afternoon and evening of programs that explore life in America during World War II, including America in the 40s, American Experience "War Letters" and USS Wisconsin: The Last Battleship.
Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo
Based on a true story, the film stars Spencer Tracy as Lt. Col. James P. Doolittle, the man who led America's first bombing raid over Tokyo after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The film follows the meticulous preparations for the raid and the individual exploits of the flyers who crashed into the sea or were captured by the Japanese. Van Johnson portrays Ted Lawson, a pilot who loses a leg while escaping from China after the attack.
Saturday, May 18 at 9 p.m.
American Experience _"The Battle of the Bulge"
The Battle of the Bulge was the single bloodiest battle American soldiers ever fought. This film looks at the World War II battle through the eyes of the U.S. soldiers and combat officers in the field. It explores who the soldiers were and how they came to be in the Ardennes, how they lived before the battle and survived within it and why their memories, some 50 years later, continue to haunt them.
Sunday, May 19 at 9 p.m.
Allies at War
To the outside world, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and the French General Charles de Gaulle were allies in the fight against Hitler. But behind the appearance of unity among these titans were contentious private battles that threatened the entire war effort. This is the first documentary ever to reveal this intensely personal drama of rancor and deceit.
Wednesday, May 22 at 8 p.m.
National Memorial Day Concert
This year, the annual concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building invites the nation to pay special tribute to the Americans who are serving in the war against terrorism, the thousands of soldiers who endured World War II's Bataan Death March and the victims and heroes of September 11.
Host Ossie Davis is joined by actor Tony Danza, the band Chicago, Broadway star Heather Headley, singing sensation Charlotte Church, decorated war veteran and actor Charles Durning and the National Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Erich Kunzel.
Sunday, May 26 at 8 p.m.
USS Wisconsin: The Last Battleship
The battleship USS Wisconsin has been one of the most significant ships in the United States Navy with a career that has spanned nearly 50 years and three wars. This program presents the ship's fascinating _history and features stories from some of the men who served and fought on the last battleship built in the U.S.
Sunday, May 26 at 10:30 p.m.
The Flying Days of Riddle Field
During World War II, England's Royal Air Force cadets were shipped to the United States for pilot training at seven British Flying Training Schools (BFTS).
Of the 1,700 R.A.F. cadets that trained at Riddle Field in Clewiston, Florida, 1,325 earned their wings and returned to England to help repel the Nazi air assault, but 23 men lost their lives during training. During these uncertain times, the young men of Riddle Field enjoyed a youthful camaraderie and formed enduring friendships that bridged an ocean.
Monday, May 27 at 11 p.m.
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