First Ever Veterans Day Broadcast On PBS Celebrates All Our American Heroes

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Nov 07, 2012, 03:21 ET

WASHINGTON, Nov. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- This November 11^th at 8 p.m. ET, PBS will bring the nation together in tribute to the service and sacrifice of our over 22 million American veterans with the inaugural broadcast of the NATIONAL SALUTE TO VETERANS. Hosted by acclaimed actors Joe Mantegna ("Criminal Minds") and Gary Sinise ("CSI: New York"), the national television event celebrates all our American heroes who have served throughout our country's history.

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The one-hour program is produced by Capital Concerts, the nation's leading producer of live holiday specials and the production force behind A CAPITOL FOURTH and the NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT. These two celebrations of America's most important holidays have become annual traditions and the number one and number three top-rated programs on PBS.

The NATIONAL SALUTE TO VETERANS will feature new footage shot with co-hosts Mantegna and Sinise in Washington, D.C., as well as a selection of "best of the best" moments from past NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERTS. The all-star line-up includes distinguished American leader General Colin L. Powell USA (Ret.); Academy Award, Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning actor Forest Whitaker; "American Idol" finalist Pia Toscano; singer-songwriter Javier Colon (winner of "The Voice"); "American Idol" winner Kris Allen; acclaimed actors A.J. Cook and Jason Ritter; and gospel legend Yolanda Adams, accompanied by the National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by maestro Jack Everly.

The program will feature:

A special thank you to our troops who have been serving in Iraq and Afghanistan by General Colin Powell;
A heartfelt tribute to our wounded warriors for their bravery and service to country;
A look at how veterans and their families are coping with the often invisible wounds of war; and
The touching story of the healing friendship between a young woman and a Vietnam veteran who served with her father.

"Our military members have a long and proud tradition of service and sacrifice," said Mantegna. "I am honored to co-host the NATIONAL SALUTE TO VETERANS with Gary Sinise in profound gratitude to our veterans and their families, and in promise to them that their dedication to our country will never be forgotten."

The NATIONAL SALUTE TO VETERANS will air on PBS Sunday, November 11, 2012 from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. ET, as well as to our troops serving around the world on the American Forces Network.