Jason Kelce to Host PBS Veterans Day Special

The network will premiere the Salute to Service 2026 broadcast on November 6.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Awards

Jason Kelce to Host PBS Veterans Day Special

Live Poll

Do you plan to watch televised Veterans Day specials to commemorate the holiday this year?

PBS will air Salute to Service 2026: A Veterans Day Celebration on November 6, 2026, featuring host Jason Kelce. The special includes musical performances and highlights of U.S. military operations.

Why it matters

The production intends to honor veterans while connecting with the American public and inspiring future generations through stories of service. It serves as a commemorative effort to mark the holiday through national broadcasting.

Host Jason Kelce plays baritone saxophone in the program, which was filmed at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. The Six-String Soldiers performing in the special were formed by active-duty soldiers in 2015.

The players

Jason Kelce

He is a former professional football player who serves as the host and a musician for this special.

Jon Batiste

He is a musician and an eight-time Grammy award winner who will perform during the broadcast.

Alejandro Villanueva

He is a former professional football player who tours the U.S. Military Academy at West Point for the program.

Six-String Soldiers

They are a six-member country music group consisting of active-duty soldiers formed in 2015.

3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment

Also known as the Old Guard, this unit provides segments detailing its role in the Washington, D.C. area.

The details

Taped on May 13, 2026, in Alexandria, Virginia, the special includes appearances by Alejandro Villanueva and the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment. Viewers can watch the broadcast on PBS or via the PBS app.

The Six-String Soldiers formed on Feb. 9, 2015.
The special was taped on May 13, 2026, in Alexandria, Virginia.
The broadcast premieres on PBS on Nov. 6, 2026.

Culture Shift

The production follows the precedent set by the November 10, 2023 PBS Veterans Day special in utilizing high-profile personalities to reach broader audiences. This trend highlights a shift toward using entertainment platforms to bridge the gap between civilian life and military history.

Viewers across the country can access the special through local PBS stations or on-demand via the official PBS app. The program provides a way for families to engage with military history and veterans' stories during the holiday season.

The takeaway

This special provides an opportunity for audiences to learn about various aspects of U.S. military history through music and tours of significant landmarks. Families may find the program an educational resource for discussing the significance of Veterans Day with younger generations.