Actor, comedian and U.S. Marine Corps veteran Rob Riggle is back to host this year’s edition of the Veterans Day special “American Valor: A Salute to Our Heroes,” marking his sixth time as emcee of the annual TV event.
This year’s special, which will be syndicated to TV stations across the country throughout the weekend of Saturday, Nov. 15, will feature narration from stars including Kristen Bell, Joe Buck, Candace Cameron Bure, Chris Evans, Michael Keaton, Chris Pine and Chris Pratt. Special presentations will also come from Shawn Johnson East, Pierson Fode and Sawyer Spielberg, as well as “Band of Brothers” stars Wilmer Valderrama, Charlie Weber and James Madio.
Per the logline, Riggle will “guide viewers through a moving lineup of true stories honoring the courage, sacrifice and legacy of America’s service members.”
Veterans featured in the special include some of the last living soldiers from World War II, as well as those who’ve served in the Korea, Vietnam and modern wars, spanning eight decades of service.
“As a Marine, it’s the greatest honor to stand alongside those who’ve served and to help tell the stories of the true heroes who’ve shaped our country,” Riggle said in a statement. “Their courage, their sacrifice, and their legacy deserve to be celebrated and remembered, not just on Veterans Day, but every day.”
The American Veterans Center is behind “American Valor,” which this year will include musical performances by the United States Naval Academy Glee Club and the United States Air Force Band’s “Airmen of Note.”
Besides being syndicated to ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and The CW affiliates around the country, “American Valor” will also be seen by active duty military members and their families on the American Forces Network around the globe.
“’American Valor’ is about remembering who we are as a nation, and who we owe,” said American Veterans Center president Tim Holbert, who is also exec producer of the special. “This year’s program brings together voices from across generations to honor the legacy of our heroes and ensure their stories are never forgotten.”
Here are the segments set for this year:
“The Heroes of World War II”: “A final salute to the last surviving veterans of World War II, whose average age now exceeds 100. These men helped secure victory in battles from Normandy to the Pacific and include soldiers who liberated Nazi concentration camps. Their stories are a living connection to history. With upwards of 50 surviving WWII heroes brought together with the support of Gary Sinise Foundation, ‘American Valor’ honors them all on stage, one last time. Story narrated by Chris Pine.”
“The Rosie the Riveters”: “Millions of American women stepped into critical roles during World War II, building the planes, ships, and tanks that made victory possible. Known as Rosie the Riveters, they paved the way for generations of women to come. This segment honors the few surviving Rosies who are still with us today. Narrated by Kristen Bell.”
“The Miracle of Christmas”: “In December 1950, U.S. forces carried out a massive evacuation of over 100,000 North Korean refugees from Hungnam during the Korean War. One ship, the SS Meredith Victory, rescued 14,000 people despite being built for only 60. Among those saved were two Korean babies born on board, and the last surviving American crewman, all set to join this year’s event. The mission became known as the ‘Miracle of Christmas.’ Narrated by Michael Keaton.”
“Captain Melvin Pender, Jr.”: “A Vietnam War combat veteran and member of the 82nd Airborne Division, Mel Pender was also a world-class sprinter. After recovering from injury and returning from combat, he went on to win Olympic gold in the 4×100-meter relay in 1968. He later set multiple world records well into his senior years. His story is one of unmatched perseverance and patriotism. Narrated by Joe Buck.”
“The Last Flight Out”: As Saigon fell in April 1975, five Pan Am stewardesses volunteered for a dangerous, last-minute mission. With the airport shut down and chaos on the ground, they flew an empty 747 into the city and evacuated 463 Vietnamese civilians—over 100 more than the plane could safely hold. Their courage saved hundreds of lives. This is their incredible true story. Narrated by Savannah Guthrie.”
“The Horse Soldiers”: In the weeks following 9/11, twelve U.S. Army Green Berets from Operational Detachment Alpha 595 entered Afghanistan on horseback to lead the charge against the Taliban. Partnering with the Northern Alliance, they helped topple the regime and launch the manhunt for Osama bin Laden. They were America’s first boots on the ground in the War on Terror. This year’s broadcast reunites nearly the entire surviving team. Narrated by Chris Pratt.”
“A Final Closing Toast”: “Narrated by Chris Evans, this segment honors the World War II generation while passing the baton to a new generation of service members. It is a moment of remembrance, gratitude, and continuity. A toast to heroes, past and future.”
