Celebrate Military Family Appreciation Month alongside Arkansas PBS as we look into the stories of veterans past and present, and how they grapple with the emotions of war. Dig into how war impacted their families, and join in the Veterans Day celebrations.
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 by using the PBS app, available on your TV, phone or tablet.
Documentaries
“The Vietnam War | A Film by Ken Burns & Lynn Novick” – Ken Burns and Lynn Novick’s 10-part, 18-hour documentary series “The Vietnam War” tells the epic story of one of the most consequential, divisive and controversial events in American history as it has never been told on film.
Visceral and immersive, the series explores the human dimensions of the war through revelatory testimony of nearly 80 witnesses from all sides – Americans who fought in the war and others who opposed it, as well as combatants and civilians from North and South Vietnam.
“Craft in America: Service” – The “Service” episode of “Craft in America” is the story of craft and the military. From the origins of the Army Arts and Crafts Program and the G.I. Bill to contemporary soldiers and veterans, “Service” documents the power of the handmade to inspire, motivate and heal. Featured artists include Eugene Burks Jr., Pam DeLuco, Judas Recendez, Ehren Tool and Peter Voulkos. The “Service” episode is part of the PBS veterans initiative “Stories of Service” and Corporation for Public Broadcasting initiative “Veterans Coming Home.”
“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.
“Dad’s Secret War: France 1944” – Narrated by actor Kevin Bacon, “Dad’s Secret War: France 1944” focuses on two top-secret World War II organizations – the OSS (Office of Strategic Services) and the British SOE (Special Operations Executive), American and British organizations responsible for silent, unseen, highly classified missions of critical importance to defeating the Nazis.
The documentary shares the riveting, true story of an American who joined the British SOE and was parachuted into France with a small team just after D-Day to organize the French Resistance into a cohesive army. The mission was to stop Germany’s most feared troops from reaching Normandy in the days after the D-Day landings of June 6, 1944.
"Buffalo Soldiers: Fighting on Two Fronts"
"The Civil War: A Film by Ken Burns"
"Craft in America: Forge"
"Going to War"
"Ken Burns: The War"
"Pearl Harbor – Into the Arizona"
"USS Indianapolis LIVE – From the Deep"
"USS Indianapolis: The Final Chapter"
"The Warrior Tradition"
Conversations With Reality
“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.
“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.
“Independent Lens: Three Chaplains” – Muslim chaplains uphold the First Amendment and vow to protect service members’ rights 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.
“Independent Lens | Make Peace or Die: Honor the Fallen” – Riddled with survivor’s guilt after his unit lost 17 men during “Operation Enduring Freedom” in Afghanistan, Marine veteran Anthony Marquez makes it his mission to reconnect with the Gold Star families of the fallen. By carving and hand-delivering a battlefield cross for each of the families affected by loss, Marquez finds the path to heal himself.
"We’ll Meet Again: Saved in Vietnam"
"We’ll Meet Again: Korean War Brothers in Arms"
Veterans Day Celebrations
“Salute to Service: A Veterans Day Celebration” – Join country music star Mickey Guyton for a heartfelt Veterans Day celebration honoring our nation’s heroes with inspiring military stories and performances by Craig Morgan, Christian McBride, Aubrey Logan and the U.S. Army Field Band.
“The Eyes of the World: From D-Day to VE Day” – Join historian John Monsky and host Katie Couric for a Veterans Day tribute. Broadway stars join The Boston Pops, conducted by Keith Lockhart, to tell the dramatic story of WWII’s final months in Europe. Rare photographs and personal accounts from Ernest Hemingway, Robert Capa and photojournalist Lee Miller bring history to life in this unforgettable celebration of the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
"Native America: Warrior Spirit"
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
As a reminder, you can watch anywhere, anytime on myarkansaspbs.org, or by using the PBS app, available on your TV, phone or tablet.