KET celebrates autumn’s patriotic holiday with special programs in recognition of Veterans Day. First, The United States Air Force 60th Anniversary: A Musical Celebration, airing Sunday, Nov. 11 at 9/8 p.m. CT, features the storied Air Force Band joined by guests including The Tenors: Cook, Dixon and Young and Empire Brass. Hosted Mary Therese Tebbe, the program includes performances of classics such as American Salute, Ain’t Misbehavin,’ America the Beautiful and a rousing full-cast finale of God Bless America.

     Then, Robert L. Williams of Independence, Ky., who parachuted behind enemy lines on D-Day, and other Kentucky veterans tell their remarkable stories in Kentucky WWII Veterans: In Their Own Words. This KET production, narrated by fellow Kentuckian Nick Clooney, airs Monday,

Nov. 12 at 9/8 p.m. on KET2. Other vets who recount their experiences through poignant and insightful interviews include Lee Ebner of Louisville, who was stationed at Pearl Harbor, and Lexington’s June Rollins, who served in the war as an MP; John Gatton of Louisville, who guided a landing craft on Omaha Beach on D-Day; Owensboro’s Jack Darnell, who flew with the Army Air Corps in Italy; Bill Shuffett of Greensburg and Reed Potter of Pikeville, both of whom survived the Battle of the Bulge; Alan Legear of Berea, who served with the Marines in the Pacific Theater; and Charles Wilson of Carlisle, who served in the 4th infantry division on Omaha Beach.

Finally, Canteen Spirit, airing Monday, Nov. 12 at 10/9 p.m. on KET2, tells the story of the North Platte Canteen, which began as a case of mistaken identity and grew into a legend. At a railroad depot in the middle of America, the people from North Platte, Neb., and the surrounding area offered food, friendship and love to soldiers during World War II.

     Kentucky WWII Veterans: In Their Own Words is a KET production, Tom Bickell, producer. The United States Air Force 60th Anniversary: A Musical Celebration is produced by Maryland Public Television. Canteen Spirit is produced by NET Television. More information about KET programming and education services, as well as how to support KET, can be found at www.ket.org.