Maryland Public Television Presents a Star-Studded Musical Salute

Maryland Public Television Presents a Star-Studded Musical Salute

to America’s Armed Forces

Blair Underwood, Peter Cetera, Lonestar and Melinda Doolittle headline

America’s Veterans: A Musical Tribute 2010

Owings Mills, MD – Maryland Public Television (MPT) presents America’s Veterans: A Musical Tribute 2010, astirring, star-studded salute to the men and women who have served with courage and honor in the United States Armed Forces. For the third consecutive year, America’s Veteran’s will air on public television stations on Veteran’s Day 2010.

Led by the United States Air Force Band, and hosted by acclaimed actor Blair Underwood, the 2010 lineup includesa mix of popular hits and patriotic classics performed by Grammy winner and singer/songwriter Peter Cetera, chart-topping country band Lonestar and American Idol finalist Melinda Doolittle who has been described by TheNew York Times as one of the most “phenomenally gifted voices” in years.

The one-hour special features Cetera’s moving “You’re the Inspiration,” along with an unforgettablerendition of “Amazed” by Lonestar, and a soulful performanceby Doolittle of “Declaration of Love.” Closing out America’s Veterans is a spirited and rousing rendition of “God Bless America” sung by the featured artists, and accompanied by The United States Air Force Band, including The Singing Sergeants and full orchestra.

Throughout the program, Underwood delivers personaland heartfelt tributesto heroes, seated in the audience, from all five branches of the military. The featured veterans are:

Private Julius Fleischman(Army) earned a Silver Star and two Bronze Stars for heroism duringWorld War II. Fleishman worked behind enemy lines to help identify artillery targets during the Battle of the Bulge.

Lieutenant Colonel Matt Glover(Air Force) earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for his leadership and actions in Iraq, including the capture of three high-value targets and the detention of 10 suspected insurgents.

Corporal Frederick Harvey(Marine Corps)served in Vietnam as a member of the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines and has worked tirelessly to help veterans with their benefits.

Commander Kim LeBel(Navy)earned the Purple Heart after being injured in an ambush attack in Afghanistan. LeBel helped teach and mentor Afghan National Army nurses.

Lieutenant Jeanine Manze(Coast Guard), the first African-American female aviator in the U.S. Coast Guard to be awarded the “wings of gold,” Manze was one of the first responders to assist in Haitian earthquake relief efforts.

America’s Veterans: A Musical Tributehas quickly become a perennial favorite, both honoring our men and women in uniform, and promoting a greater understanding of the service and sacrifice made by members of the U.S. Armed Forces who protect and defend our nation’s freedom.

Recorded at the renowned Music Center at Strathmore in Bethesda, Maryland,America’s Veterans: A Musical Tribute2010is sponsored nationally by Booz Allen Hamilton. Recognized nationally, Booz Allen has been at the helm of management consulting for business and governments for more than 90 years.

For more information on MPT, visit mpt.org. For this and other press releases, visit the MPT pressroom.