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Veteran's Day | November 2026

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by Mark Lasswell • Published on
Veterans Day banner with stars and red-and-white stripes on a blue background. Text reads: “WTVP salutes the Veterans who sacrifice to secure our freedom.”
Programming

This month, WTVP salutes our veterans with special documentaries and celebrations.

Two photos of the same man in military garb, many years apart.

I Lied About My Age: A Marine In World War II

In the opening days of World War II, Frank Wright wanted to join the Marines. The only problem was that he was only 16 years old at the time. Frank stuffed his pockets with bananas to gain some extra weight and then lied about his age. He would go on to see some of the most brutal combat in the Pacific War on both Guam and Iwo Jima, including an up-close and very personal Japanese bayonet charge. I LIED ABOUT MY AGE: A MARINE IN WORLD WAR II, narrated by actor Rob Morrow, offers viewers a glimpse into Frank's experience as a U.S. Marine during WWII.

Salute to Service logo in front of a silhouetted soldier saluting the flag.

Salute to Service 2026: A Veterans Day Celebration

Jason Kelce hosts SALUTE TO SERVICE: A VETERANS DAY CELEBRATION with The U.S. Army Field Band on PBS. This action-packed show features unique musical performances by 8-time Grammy winning musical legend Jon Batiste alongside the Six-String Soldiers and Jason Kelce wailing on the bari sax with the Jazz Ambassadors. Come with us as we take on training at the United States Military Academy at West Point with NFL offensive tackle Alejandro Villanueva, reminiscing on his time as a cadet. We will also meet members of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, "The Old Guard," as they share what it takes to be a member of their elite team, defending the District of Columbia all while fulfilling the sacred duty of honoring all who have served this country.

Man in combat gear on a small rope bridge.

The Marines

THE MARINES examines the rich history and unique warrior culture of the United States Marine Corps. The Corps' "Warrior Ethos" is ingrained into each recruit from the beginning. With significant access to Marine Corps facilities around the country, the documentary focuses on their training and considers what it takes to become a full-fledged Marine and all that comes with it. The program also explores the nature of the strong bond that Marines have to one another and to the Corps.

A tank in a large crowd in front of the Roman Colosseum.

Road to Rome: World War II

Narrated by Jim Nantz, ROAD TO ROME: WORLD WAR II is an hour-long documentary that chronicles the Allies' brutal campaign to take Italy. Moving slowly from Salerno to the capital, the first phase of fighting in 1943 took place through villages, mountains and mud. Blending stunning contemporary footage with archival video and photographs, the film traces the bloody road to Rome through sites that remain today: Monte Cassino, San Pietro, the Rapido River, Naples and Anzio.