With roots dating back to the Civil War, Memorial Day is a time-honored U.S. holiday that honors those who lost their lives while defending their country. Join us as we commemorate Memorial Day with special programming airing on PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1) and Fusion (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.2) channels.
Saturday, May 23, from 5-6:30 PM
This three-episode docuseries spotlights the Martin B-26 Marauder and the brave World War II pilots who flew the aircraft.In the 1990s, the B-26 Marauder Historical Society videotaped oral histories detailing the experiences of “Marauder Men,” the nickname claimed by Martin B-26 Marauder pilots in celebration of their camaraderie. This series offers an intimate look at that footage.
Saturday, May 23, at 6:30 PM
Less than 3% of those who served during World War II are still alive today. Once they are gone, what will happen to the story of their sacrifice? Through personal accounts of real-life World War II veterans, this local program, dedicated to preserving the history and memories of those who served in the war, honors their sacrifice.
Sunday, May 24, at noon
Explore the daring and unknown histories of the remarkable women pilots, journalists, guerrillas and spies who fought, flew, and died in the Second World War as they defied expectations, overcame prejudices, and often outperformed their male counterparts. This series sheds light on some of the most perilous, courageous, and unwritten stories of the women who led the charge.
Sunday, May 24, at 2:30 PM
Monday, May, 25, at 2 AM
Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, affects hundreds of thousands of veterans. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event. This 30-minute documentary, produced by Canton resident Ron Ponder, talks about some of the research and treatments of veterans and the general public of today.
Sunday, May 24, at 3 PM
The story of female veterans is as varied as the story of females in all walks of life. This 30-minute local production highlights many of the challenges and successes of area women in uniform. Examples include a young mother who now serves in the Army Reserve, a young couple who are both veterans, a female general and a nurse who is in the reserves. The show also speaks about Sharon Lane, a Canton resident who was the first female casualty of the Vietnam War. In addition, it touches on female veterans’ high rate of homelessness and how Summit County Executive Ilean Shapiro has gotten involved in helping homeless female veterans.
Sunday, May 24, at 3:30 PM
Wednesday, May 27, at 3 AM
Narrated by actor Paul Giamatti, WAAL RIVER CROSSING: 1944 is an hour-long documentary that reveals the story behind one of World War II's most heroic missions. The paratroopers of the 82nd Airborne Division were given a suicide mission: to cross one of Europe's largest and fastest-flowing rivers in broad daylight under the watchful eye of their German adversaries. They were outmanned and outgunned, but somehow the American paratroopers were able to complete their mission and wrestle two bridges away from German troops in Holland. WAAL RIVER CROSSING: 1944 tells the story of the mission in intimate detail through archival footage and interviews that celebrate the incredible bravery displayed by the soldiers involved.
Sunday, May 24, at 4:30 PM
Narrated by veteran Hollywood actor Tom Selleck, REMEMBER PEARL HARBOR chronicles the personal stories of veterans and citizens who witnessed the surprise attack by the Japanese on the American Pacific Fleet on December 7, 1941, launching the United States into World War II.Using archival footage and photos and graphics, the documentary shows in detail the bombings on Oahu, along with the fiery explosion of the USS Arizona, the sinking of the USS Oklahoma, and the attacks on Hickam Field, as well as on other parts of the island.
Sunday, May 24, at 8 & 9:30 PM
Monday, May 25, at 12:30 AM
America’s national night of remembrance hosted by Tony Award-winner Joe Mantegna and Emmy Award-winner Gary Sinise airs live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, honors the courage and sacrifice of our military men and women, their families, and pays tribute to all who have given their lives in service to our nation. The evening will feature powerful storytelling and musical salutes featuring world-renowned artists with the National Symphony Orchestra, and a special commemoration of the country’s 250th Anniversary highlighting the all-volunteer force that won our independence in the American Revolution.
Monday, May 25, at 8 PM
Told exclusively through the words of the project’s visionaries, leaders, artisans and champions who made “the impossible plausible,” is the remarkable story of America’s new national World War I Memorial — an exceptional vision brought to life by a diverse coalition of Americans who overcame all odds to deliver a stunning achievement a full century after the War That Changed the World.
Stream REMEMBER US: THE FIGHT FOR AMERICA’S WORLD WAR I MEMORIAL IN WASHINGTON D.C.
Monday, May 25, at 9 PM
Seven decades after the “Boys of Omaha Beach” landed in Normandy, veterans and soldiers return seeking closure as they enter the final years of their lives. The very personal stories of several veterans are shared as they return to Omaha Beach and witness the legacy of their acts of courage and determination on June 6, 1944.
Monday, May 25, at 10 PM
Tuesday, May 26, at 3 AM
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.