Skip to main content

Things to Watch and Read on Veterans Day

Daniel Hautzinger
A memorial commemorating 12 fallen Vietnam soldiers sits across the street from Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in South Chicago. Image: Miguel Zuno, Zuno Photography / WTTW
A memorial commemorating 12 fallen Vietnam soldiers sits across the street from Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in South Chicago. Image: Miguel Zuno, Zuno Photography / WTTW

November 11 is Veterans Day, a time to remember and honor the people who have served and are serving in the United States military. WTTW and PBS have covered veterans, their lives, issues, and the wars they fought in extensively, but we have pulled together a small selection of those stories for you to watch and read today. 

Our Soldiers, Our Lady of Guadalupe

Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in South Chicago lost more of its members in the Vietnam War than any other parish in the country. Twelve young men from the church died in the war, including a White Sox bat boy. Learn more about Chicago's first Mexican church and its tragic losses, which are remembered in a memorial, in this Chicago Stories special. 

American Veteran

This four-part series examines the veteran experience across American history, from their training to their time in the military to their return home and reckoning with their experience. One episode is hosted by Illinois's U.S. Senator, Tammy Duckworth, who is herself a veteran who lost both legs in Iraq.

The Vietnam War by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick

The epic ten-part examination of the Vietnam War by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick stands amongst their most towering achievements, and is available to stream by WTTW Passport members. At wttw.com/vietnam, you can also explore some Chicago history surrounding the tumultuous period of the Vietnam War; dive into a photo gallery and our archive to watch clips from Siskel and Ebert and Steppenwolf Theatre; hear the personal stories of Chicago Vietnam veterans as well as Vietnamese refugees who settled in Chicago; and learn about some of the memorials to the Vietnam War in our area.

A Timely Reunion Across Four Decades and the Globe

One nigh-unbelievable story of common humanity to emerge from the chaos of the Vietnam War: a young soldier's promise to a Vietnamese child, fulfilled only decades later to initiate a powerful and continuing bond. 

The People's Protectors

November is also Native American Heritage Month, and Native Americans have long served disproportionately in the military. This special, available to stream by WTTW Passport members, features four Native American veterans reflecting on their experiences.

USO — For the Troops

Tour an organization that tours: the USO, which has strengthened service personnel for more than 75 years, helping them stay connected to their homes and cultures via entertainment and more. The special is available to stream by WTTW Passport members. 

Songwriting with Soldiers

This concert special features professional artists working with veterans to tell their stories through song.