May is Military Appreciation Month – a time to honor and recognize the contributions and sacrifices of the men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Arkansas PBS Passport gives you a chance to honor and recognize those contributions as we hear conversations about life before, during and after action; explore wrecked vessels from World War II; and see the heartwarming, inspirational story of service dogs with Arkansas PBS Passport.
HOW TO WATCH
Members who contribute a tax-deductible gift of at least $5 per month, or an annual gift of $60 or more, are eligible for Arkansas PBS Passport – an extended, on-demand library of your favorite PBS shows, films and specials.
As a reminder, you can watch anywhere, anytime on myarkansaspbs.org, or using the PBS App, available on your TV, phone or tablet.
Military Experience
“After Action” - Hosted by Air Force combat veteran Stacy Pearsall, “After Action” reveals the experiences of 21 diverse veterans from across the country. Conversations about life before, during and after action provide a deeper appreciation for those who’ve served.
“American Veteran” - “American Veteran” is a four-part documentary series tracing the veteran experience across the arc of American history and exploring the present day divide between civilian and veteran communities. From the citizen-soldiers returning from the Revolution to today’s warrior class, it is a deeply moving story, illuminating the veteran experience and drawing civilian viewers into an unfamiliar culture.
“Craft in America ‘Service’” - “Service” is the story of craft and the military from the origins of the Army Arts & Crafts Program and the G.I. Bill to contemporary soldiers and veterans, “Service” documents the power of the handmade to inspire, motivate and heal.
“Going to War” - What is it really like to go to war? Filled with terror, pain and grief, it also brings exhilaration, and a profound sense of purpose. In “Going to War,” renowned authors Karl Marlantes and Sebastian Junger help us make sense of this paradox and get to the heart of what it’s like to be a soldier at war. Veterans of various conflicts reveal some universal truths of combat with unflinching candor.
“The Greatest Bond” - Follow this inspirational and heartwarming documentary, which highlights the journey of disabled veterans whose lives are forever changed through the unconditional love of service dogs that have been expertly trained by female prison inmates. Join three veterans as they meet their service dog and work directly with the inmates in a Texas women’s prison.
“Salute to Service: A Veterans Day Celebration” - “Salute to Service,” hosted by Jon Stewart and featuring the United States Army Field Band, is a heartfelt Veterans Day celebration honoring heroes past and present, uniting us in gratitude as we reflect on their service, sacrifice and the enduring spirit of America.
Military History
“My Grandparents’ War” - Follow international stars as they journey into the past to learn about their grandparents’ wartime experiences, and discover the extraordinary impact of global conflict on their families.
“The Queen at War” - Learn how the longest reigning monarchy in British history was shaped by World War II. Princess Elizabeth’s experiences during the war mirrored those of the public and helped shape her into the Queen she was.
“The Warrior Tradition” - “The Warrior Tradition” tells the astonishing, heartbreaking, inspiring and largely-untold story of Native Americans in the United States military. Why would Indian men and women put their lives on the line for the very government that took their homelands? The film relates the stories of Native American warriors from their own points of view – stories of service and pain, of courage and fear.
“Independent Lens: Three Chaplains” - Muslim chaplains uphold the First Amendment and vow to protect service members’ right to practice their faith freely, despite facing long-held prejudice and disapproval from their own communities. The Muslim chaplains work hard to ensure that all service members have access to religious materials, services and resources regardless of the religious beliefs they hold.
“Native America: Warrior Spirit” - Across Native America, warrior traditions support incredible athletes and connect people to combat, games and glory. Celebrate and honor the men and women who live and breathe this legacy today.
“Buffalo Soldiers: Fighting on Two Fronts” - Established by Congress, the 14th Amendment promised citizenship in exchange for enlistment, prompting many African American men. They were denied due to Jim Crow laws but still served. The film examines the profound and often-contradictory roles played by Buffalo Soldiers in U.S. history, and how they fought on two sets of front lines: military conflicts abroad and civil rights struggles at home.
Sunken Vessels
“Pearl Harbor: Into the Arizona” - On the eve of the 75th anniversary, join the first expedition to explore inside the USS Arizona since the date that lives in infamy, as state-of-the-art imaging technology reveals the aftermath and incredible story of the Pearl Harbor attack.
“USS Indianapolis: Live from the Deep” - Take a live tour of the wreckage from the USS Indianapolis, the WWII vessel lying at the bottom of the Pacific since its sinking in 1945. Video of the vessel, which was found in August, will be transmitted from a remotely operated vehicle.
“USS Indianapolis: The Final Chapter” - In July 1945, the USS Indianapolis had just delivered “Little Boy” – the atomic bomb destined for Hiroshima – when she was sunk by a Japanese sub. Three-hundred sailors go down with her, and the 900 survivors drift for four and a half days, battling the sun, thirst, sharks and their own fear. Ultimately, only 316 of them are pulled from the sea alive.
HOW TO WATCH
Get extended, on-demand access to more of your favorite PBS, shows, films and specials by signing up for Arkansas PBS Passport.