Key Highlights
- Rob Riggle to host the 2025 edition of the Veterans Day special “American Valor” for a sixth consecutive year.
- This year’s special will be syndicated across major TV stations and also available on the American Forces Network.
- The event features narration from celebrities like Kristen Bell, Joe Buck, Chris Evans, Michael Keaton, Chris Pine, and others.
- Veterans honored include those who served in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and modern wars, spanning eight decades of service.
Returning Host for ‘American Valor’
Actor Rob Riggle has been selected to return as the host of this year’s Veterans Day special titled “American Valor: A Salute to Our Heroes.” This marks his sixth time hosting the event, which is a significant milestone and testament to the trust placed in him by the American Veterans Center. Riggle’s involvement adds a personal touch, given his own military service with the U.S. Marine Corps.
“As a Marine, it’s the greatest honor to stand alongside those who’ve served and to help tell the stories of the true heroes who’ve shaped our country,” stated Riggle in a statement provided by Variety.
Lineup of Honored Veterans
This year’s special aims to highlight veterans from various historical periods, ensuring that their contributions are not forgotten. The program will feature segments on:
The Heroes of World War II: This segment pays tribute to the last surviving veterans of World War II, with stories narrated by Chris Pine.
The Rosie the Riveters: Celebrating women who worked in critical roles during World War II and paving the way for future generations. Narrated by Kristen Bell.
The Miracle of Christmas: This segment honors U.S. forces involved in the evacuation of North Korean refugees during the Korean War, narrated by Michael Keaton.
Captain Melvin Pender Jr.: A Vietnam War combat veteran who also excelled as a sprinter and later set world records in his senior years.
Narrated by Joe Buck.
The Last Flight Out: Five Pan Am stewardesses undertook a dangerous evacuation mission from Saigon during the fall of Saigon in 1975, narrated by Savannah Guthrie.
The Horse Soldiers: Twelve U.S. Army Green Berets who entered Afghanistan on horseback to fight against the Taliban, narrated by Chris Pratt.
A Celebration for Service Members
The “American Valor” special will air on ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, and The CW affiliates across the country. Additionally, it will be accessible to active duty military members and their families through the American Forces Network. The event is not just a celebration of veterans but also a reminder of their legacy and a bridge between past and future generations.
“’American Valor’ is about remembering who we are as a nation, and who we owe,” said Tim Holbert, president of the American Veterans Center. “This year’s program brings together voices from across generations to honor the legacy of our heroes and ensure their stories are never forgotten.”
The special will include musical performances by the United States Naval Academy Glee Club and the United States Air Force Band’s “Airmen of Note,” further enriching the cultural experience for those tuning in.
