Rob Riggle Presents Annual Veterans Day TV Special ‘American Valor’
Actor, comedian and U.S. Marine Corps veteran Rob Riggle returns to host this year’s edition of the Veterans Day special “American Valor: A Salute to Our Heroes,” marking his sixth time hosting the annual TV event.
This year’s special, which will air on TV stations across the country over the weekend of Saturday, November 15, will feature stories from stars like Kristen Bell, Joe Buck, Candace Cameron Bure, Chris Evans, Michael Keaton, Chris Pine and Chris Pratt. There will also be special presentations from Shawn Johnson East and Sawyer Spielberg, as well as “Band of Brothers” stars Wilmer Valderrama, Charlie Weber and James Madio.
According to the logline, Riggle will “guide viewers through a gripping series 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 served in Korea, Vietnam and modern wars, spanning eight decades of service.
“As a Marine, it is the greatest honor to stand alongside those who have served and to help tell the stories of the real heroes who 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.”
In addition to being syndicated to ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and The CW affiliates nationwide, “American Valor” will also be seen by active-duty military members and their families on the American Forces Network around the world.
“’American Valor’ is about remembering who we are as a nation, and to whom we owe a debt,” said Tim Holbert, president of the American Veterans Center, who is also executive producer of the special. “This year’s program brings together voices from across generations to honor the legacies of our heroes and ensure their stories are never forgotten.”
These are the segments 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, including soldiers who liberated Nazi concentration camps. Their stories are a living link to history. Featuring more than 50 surviving World War II heroes, brought together with the support of the Gary Sinise Foundation, ‘American Valor’ honors them all for the last time on stage. Story told by Chris Pijnboom.”
“The Rosie the Riveters”: “Millions of American women played a vital role during World War II, building the planes, ships and tanks that made victory possible. Known as Rosie the Riveters, they paved the way for future generations of women. This segment honors the few remaining Rosies who are still with us. Narrated by Kristen Bell.”
The Miracle of Christmas this year. The mission became known as the ‘Miracle of Christmas.’ Narrated by Michael Keaton.”
“Captain Melvin Pender, Jr.”: “A Vietnam War 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 won 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 unparalleled perseverance and patriotism. Narrated by Joe Buck.”
“The Last Flight Out”: When Saigon fell in April 1975, five Pan Am flight attendants volunteered for a dangerous, last-minute mission. With the airport closed and chaos on the ground, they flew an empty Boeing 747 into the city and evacuated 463 Vietnamese citizens – more than 100 more than the plane could safely hold. Their courage has saved hundreds of lives. This is their incredible true story. Narrated by Savannah Guthrie.”
“The Horse Soldiers”: In the weeks following September 11, twelve U.S. Army Green Berets from Operational Detachment Alpha 595 entered Afghanistan on horseback to lead the attack on the Taliban. Together with the Northern Alliance, they helped overthrow the regime and spark 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 almost the entire remaining team. Narrated by Chris Pratt.”
“A Final Closing Toast”: “Narrated by Chris Evans, this segment honors the World War II generation and passes 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.”
