ESPN to Honor Veterans, Active Military with Week-Long Initiative

ESPN dedicates a week of multiplatform content November 7-13 as part of the eighth annual America's Heroes: A Salute to Our Veterans initiative. Highlights include SPORTSCENTER live from the USS Missouri at Pearl Harbor and segments from Arlington National Cemetery on Veterans Day (Nov. 11). In addition, the annual State Farm Armed Forces Classic will be played at the University of Hawaii that night at 7 p.m. ET.

Other highlights include ESPN2's First Take, which kicks off the week with a live telecast from Joint Base Charleston, S.C., on Monday, Nov. 7.

New this year will be a one-hour, prime time Veterans Day special airingThursday, Nov. 10, at 8 p.m. on ESPN2. Hosted by SPORTSCENTER anchors Hannah Storm and Kevin Negandhi, the program will include numerous features dedicated to veterans and active military personnel.

"We are excited about the uniqueness of our Salute to the Troops this year and showcasing two iconic locations in American military history," said SPORTSCENTER senior coordinating producer Michael Fountain. "We will begin the day with live coverage from Arlington National Cemetery, the resting place of many American heroes and we will end the day with a special, live 6 p.m. SportsCenter, from the USS Missouri at Pearl Harbor. The show will focus on the 75th anniversary of the surprise attack and why that day is still so important for our Veterans today. Our coverage from both locations will include multiple elements, honoring our veterans, current members of the military and their families as well."

USAA and Applebee's are sponsors of ESPN's week-long Veterans Day activation and many well-known athletes, coaches and celebrities will provide daily "shout outs" to members of the military within ESPN programming. The tributes will appear on SPORTSCENTER and other ESPN platforms.

"Active service members and veterans are a critical part of the storyline that ESPN will address during our salute - these incredible individuals are our employees, our family members, our fans," said Kevin Martinez, ESPN vice president of Corporate Citizenship. "From our remembrance of Pearl Harbor, to engaging the State Farm Armed Forces Classic athletes in local community programs, to the incredible stories of sacrifice featured throughout the week, we are honored to salute those who have fought for our freedom."

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