May 2004
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May 2004 |
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Departments |
A Time to RememberAn army of
Memorial Day specials honor America's heroes In
times of war and international distress, Memorial Day seems to have more
significance than in years devoid of major conflict With daily reminders of the sacrifices made by American troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, in many ways we take time out of each day to remember, and memorialize, those engaged in battle and on peacekeeping missions. Throughout the month of May, WHYY presents specials that pay tribute to the unwavering and unparalleled contributions of the United States Armed Forces. The Lawrence Welk Show Lawrence Welk star Jack Imel hosts a "Salute to the Armed Forces" from the Veterans Memorial Museum in Branson, Missouri. This episode showcases Imel's talent as both producer and choreographer, and features creative renditions of "How Ya Gonna Keep 'em Down on the Farm," "Alley Cat," "Pack Up Your Troubles" and "Jack is Every Inch a Sailor" by the Welk Musical Family. Saturday, May 15 at 7 p.m.
In the early 1930s, more than 6,000 American mothers took a government-sponsored pilgrimage to a cemetery in Europe, winding their way through the maze of white crosses to find the places where their sons had been buried after falling in battle during World War I. The program intertwines the history of these journeys with the social and political history of motherhood and personal stories from the children and grandchildren of the women who traveled thousands of miles from home to pay tribute to their sons. Historians also examine the U.S. government's use of propaganda to convince mothers to support the war, the political strings these women pulled to get approval for the trips, and how the second-class treatment of African-American mothers during the pilgrimages affected politics upon their return. Pictured: Maude Betterton at the grave of her son Cherrill in Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery in France. Courtesy of the National Archives and Records Administration Sunday, May 16 at 4 p.m.
In commemoration of the 60th anniversary of D-Day, this two-hour Secrets of the Dead special tells the story of how two years of planning, 3,000 planes with five times as many paratroopers, and almost 160,000 Allied soldiers came together victoriously on June 6, 1944. Using the day itself as a narrative spine, the film retraces the steps that contributed to the Allies' success, and investigates at what points the invaders failed. Each part of "D-Day" revolves around a particular technology the Allies designed in order to overcome the Nazi defenses, and calls upon testimony from German soldiers who guarded the Normandy coastline and the Americans, English and Canadians who delivered the three-pronged attack to determine how the events of "the longest day" unfolded. Wednesday, May 19 at 9 p.m. Looking for a simple -- and simply delicious -- Memorial Day menu? Pat Schweitzer and Betty Thompson Morton, co-authors of No Fuss Cooking and stars of the Reynolds Wrap commercials, share their favorite hassle-free recipes for the grill on this episode of Seasonings with Dede Wilson: Cooking & Entertaining for Special Occasions. Paprika, garlic powder and brown sugar give their baby back ribs a sweet 'n' tangy taste; herbed vegetable packets are wrapped in aluminum foil and then grilled to keep in the flavor; cilantro and salsa add kick to cheesy chicken nachos; and grilled fruit with pound cake will satisfy any picnicker's sweet tooth. Saturday, May 29 at 2:30 p.m.
Iconic entertainers Bob Hope, Lena Horne, Bing Crosby and Humphrey Bogart appeared in hundreds of films, television shows and theatrical productions during their respective careers. No performances they gave, however, were arguably as sincere, and as greatly appreciated, as when these Hollywood greats took the stage before American troops. This program honors the many stars who made soldiers roar with laughter and whistle with glee at military bases throughout the world, featuring rare archival footage of some of these classic performances. The program also features a reunion of Hope's World War II troop of performers and interviews with "Bond Bombshell" Dorothy Lamour; Mel Blanc; Maxene Andrews of the Andrews Sisters; and "G.I. Sweetheart" Frances Langford (pictured with Bob Hope). Saturday, May 29 at 8 p.m.
Bluegrass legend Alison Krauss, violin virtuoso Joshua Bell and country music star Brad Paisley join the National Symphony Orchestra and renowned actor and World War II veteran Ossie Davis for the 15th annual National Memorial Day Concert , broadcast live from the West lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building. Performing before an anticipated audience of 350,000, this year's show will commemorate the 60th anniversary of D-Day by bringing to life the experiences of the troops who landed on the beaches of Normandy; pay special tribute to the troops in Iraq who have been disabled and killed in combat; and present moving stories of children who have lost a parent to war. Broadcast live on Sunday, May 30 at 8 p.m. Online Extra: Read excerpts from interviews with Erick Castro, Jim Mayer and Michelle Baugh, three individuals who share their emotional stories of bravery, hope and inspiration.
The newest addition to the Washington, D.C. Mall -- the long-awaited World War II Memorial -- will be unveiled during a formal dedication ceremony on Memorial Day weekend. Before watching live news coverage of this historic event, tune in this one-hour documentary, which takes an behind-the-scenes look at the creation of America's newest national symbol. The program connects the process of designing and constructing the memorial with stories from men and women who experienced one of the most devastating wars in modern history and features personal vignettes with ordinary soldiers, sailors and airmen, along with those of higher-profile veterans Tony Curtis, Bob Dole, Yogi Berra and President Dwight Eisenhower's son John. Sunday, May 30 at 9:30 p.m. In the solemn days after World War II, a 22-year-old Dutch woman named Betty Habets-Vrancken vowed to show her appreciation to the Allies for liberating Holland by visiting the grave of fallen American PFC Eddie Hart, a promise she and her family fulfilled for more than 57 years. This film recounts this remarkable true story and follows Hart's sister, Hattie Hart Holloman, as she journeys to Margraten, Holland to see her brother's burial place for the first time. Bittersweet and inspiring, the program duly honors a soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice and his adoptive family who passed down the legacy of a promise kept. Monday, May 31 at 2:30 p.m. Based on archivist Andrew Carroll's best-selling book War Letters: Extraordinary Correspondence from American Wars, this American Experience program exposes the deepest, most human side of war through readings from Carroll's incredible compilation of personal correspondence from the American Revolution to Gulf War. Told the collective voice of ordinary soldiers, sweethearts, husbands, fathers, wives and friends -- from stunningly brutal accounts of war to letters of love and longing -- "War Letters" probes the emotions, atrocities, hopes and horrors of wartime experiences and features readings by such actors as Kyra Sedgwick, David Hyde Pierce, Kevin Spacey and Edward Norton. Monday, May 31 at 9 p.m. To receive a Medal of Honor -- the highest recognition bestowed upon a member of America's military -- a serviceman or woman must risk their life during battle in such a way as to clearly distinguish their gallantry as being beyond the expected call of duty. Since its inception during the Civil War, 3,439 men and one woman have received the honor. This program takes a moving look at this military elite, telling their stories through newsreel footage, photographs, military art and poignant interviews with recipients and the comrades who witnessed their heroic acts. Monday, May 31 at 10 p.m. Online Extra: Drew Dix, Wesley Fox, Jack Jacobs and Leo Thorsness belong to a dwindling number of living Medal of Honor recipients -- 137 remain out of 3,440 honorees. Read about the incredible acts of bravery which earned these four men the Medal of Honor. |
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Entertaining
the Troops 
