WASHINGTON -- As a special tribute to America’s veterans, television stations from the Public Broadcasting System across the country will carry an hour-long program this Veterans Day week highlighting the creativity, resourcefulness and patriotism of the men and women who have served in the military.
“America’s veterans are a treasure trove of skills, enthusiasm and the can-do spirit,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson. “This special broadcast will allow all Americans to see the traits that are familiar to the 235,000 men and women serving veterans in the Department of Veterans Affairs.”
The special broadcast was taped Oct. 22 during a gala stage show held during the annual National Veterans Creative Arts Festival, in which veterans from across the country display their talents in music, dance, drama, creative writing and the visual arts. About 120 veterans, who receive care in VA facilities, took part in this year’s program in Rapid City, S.D.
South Dakota Public Broadcasting taped the program, which was edited and distributed to local PBS stations by the National Educational Telecommunications Association. Participating PBS stations have agreed to broadcast the program between Nov. 6-11.
The National Veterans Creative Arts Festival is a year-long fine arts competition for patients at VA hospitals and clinics, many of whom use the creative arts as part of their rehabilitation. About 2,800 people participate in the event, with finalist attending the festival, which is co-sponsored by VA, Help Hospitalized Veterans and the American Legion Auxiliary.
A list of participating television stations and broadcast information follows.