SALUTE TO SERVICE Veterans Day Special Coming to PBS

SALUTE TO SERVICE returns to PBS this November to celebrate our nation’s veterans, past and present, through inspiring military stories and heartfelt musical performances.

Hosted by four-time Grammy-nominated artist Mickey Guyton, SALUTE TO SERVICE 2024: A VETERANS DAY CELEBRATION features performances from musical guests, including country legend Craig Morgan, nine-time Grammy-winning bassist Christian McBride, trombone-playing singer-songwriter Aubrey Logan, and active-duty soldiers from the United States Army Field Band and their musical ensembles —the Six-String Soldiers, the Jazz Ambassadors, the Concert Band, and the Soldiers’ Chorus — who pay tribute to all six branches of America’s Armed Forces. SALUTE TO SERVICE 2024: A VETERANS DAY CELEBRATION premieres Friday, November 8, 9:00-10:00 p.m. ET, followed by an encore from 10:00-11:00 p.m. (check local listings) on PBS and will be available to stream on PBS.org and the PBS app.

“Hosting the Veterans Day celebration is an incredible honor. Our veterans have given so much for this country and being part of a night that celebrates their courage and sacrifice is humbling,” said Mickey Guyton. “I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to shine a light on their powerful stories and selfless acts of service.” 

Country music star, veteran and current Army Reservist Craig Morgan performs “Soldier” and his #1 Billboard single “That’s What I Love About Sunday,” accompanied by acoustic group Six-String Soldiers. Morgan also talks about his life in the military and what led him to re-enlist in the Army Reserves in 2023 at age 59. 

Christian McBride joins “America’s Big Band,” the Jazz Ambassadors, for “The Shade of the Cedar Tree,” “John Brown’s Blues,” and “Centerpiece,” a duet with Sergeant First Class Hamilton Price, who met McBride when he was a young musician in his pre-military days. Acclaimed trombonist, vocalist and singer-songwriter Aubrey Logan also joins the Jazz Ambassadors for “Amazing Grace” and an upbeat rendition of “How High the Moon.”

SALUTE TO SERVICE 2024 features uplifting personal stories from distinguished veterans, including Medal of Honor recipients retired Army Major General Patrick Brady, who flew 2500 combat missions and helped rescue more than 5000 wounded in Vietnam, and Captain Florent “Flo” Groberg, recognized for his heroic acts in Afghanistan. Both men express that the Medal of Honor is not about one individual. “This medal is not yours,” says Captain Groberg. “It represents the United States of America, all of its people, all of its heroes.” 

Viewers also get to experience the emotional journey of Honor Flight veterans, meet a Space Force Guardian, visit with members of the Coast Guard on fast-response cutter USCGC Forrest Rednour, and learn what it’s like to serve miles underwater in a submarine from Navy veterans from World War II to the present. SALUTE TO SERVICE 2024 also follows the remarkable story of Colonel Danielle Ngo, who escaped Saigon as a child and dedicated over 30 years of service to the U.S. Army. She expresses appreciation to the Honor Flight veterans at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC, where the Soldiers’ Chorus performs an a cappella version of “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” The U.S. Army Field Band closes the program with John Mackey’s “Sacred Spaces,” commissioned by and dedicated to the Field Band. 

This Veterans Day, join PBS and the U.S. Army Field Band in thanking the nation’s servicemembers, as we come together to honor their service, reflect on their sacrifices, and celebrate the enduring spirit of America.

SALUTE TO SERVICE 2024: A VETERANS DAY CELEBRATION will stream simultaneously with broadcast and be available on all station-branded PBS platforms, including PBS.org and the PBS app, available on iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Samsung Smart TV, Chromecast and VIZIO.

SALUTE TO SERVICE 2024: A VETERANS DAY CELEBRATION is produced by Snap Snap Productions with Habib Azar as executive producer and director. It is written by Master Sgt. Pamela Daniels, Master Sgt. Lauren Urquhart, and Sgt. 1st Class Courtney Martin. Master Sgt. Lauren Urquhart and Master Sgt. Pamela Daniels are the U.S. Army Field Band producers. Christopher Farley is executive in charge for PBS.

Photo Courtesy of PBS

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