Veterans Day: Honoring Those Who Served

"Television brought the war home in a way that had never been done before. I can remember the Korean War as a kid, and I didn’t see this [Vietnam War] on television that way. I mean there it was, every night in your living room. You are forced to confront the reality of what is going on there. When you would see Cronkite on Friday give the death toll for that week ... I think it certainly raised questions because it provided information in a way that had never been done before.  And I think that an informed public shapes opinion.  I think television helped to shape that opinion by shining the light on what was going on there." - Journalist Ed Bradley

Archive Interviewee Ed Bradley spoke eloquently on how television helped inform public opinion about the Vietnam War. He was not alone in discussing the impact of wars and television war coverage on his life and on the lives of others. Many of the Archive’s interviewees served in the United States Armed Forces, were journalists reporting alongside the troops, or were actors portraying servicemen and women on television. As we honor our veterans this November 11th, here are some selections from interviewees reflecting on times of service in the Armed Forces :

Writer/Performer Sid Caesar on organizing dances to boost troop morale during World War II:

Writer/Producer/Director Larry Gelbart on research for M*A*S*H and learning from those who served in the Korean War:

Actress Barbara Eden on Bob Hope's unwavering energy during USO Tours:

Journalist Dan Rather on how meeting the Servicemen and Women in Vietnam shaped his news reporting:

Host Pat Sajak on serving as a DJ in the Armed Forces Radio Station in Vietnam:

Producer David Wolper on the importance of the GI Bill:

Thank you to all of the Veterans of the United States Armed Forces for all that you do.

For more reflections on times of service, click here

- Adrienne Faillace