Duty, Honor, Country

Watch Duty, Honor, Country

  • 1981
  • 1 Season

Duty, Honor, Country is a captivating documentary lead by renowned journalist and author Tom Brokaw that tells the story of West Point, the United States Military Academy. The show provides a comprehensive history of the academy, from its conception to its role in shaping some of America's most important military leaders. It explores a unique institution that has become a critical part of American culture, not only for the military but also for the country as a whole.

The documentary is broken up into six parts, each providing different insights into the institution. Each part has a unique focus, providing an in-depth look at various aspects of life at West Point. The six segments are titled: "Hallowed Ground," "Building a Legacy," "The Art of Battle," "For the Common Defense," "An Army of Individuals," and "The Next Generation."

The first part, "Hallowed Ground," takes a look at the founding of West Point and how it came to be one of America's most important institutions. We meet some of the key players, such as George Washington and The Marquis de Lafayette, who played a significant role in the academy's early years. The segment charts the school's early evolution from a minor outpost in the struggle between European empires and Native American tribes to the groundbreaking and powerful institution it is today.

"Building a Legacy," the second part of the show, examines the academy's rigorous training processes and the challenges cadets face on campus. Viewers get an inside look at West Point's everyday life, from the rigorous academics to the physical challenges and obstacles. We follow promising candidates through the admissions process and get a unique perspective on the academy's famous code of honor, which stresses values like commitment, loyalty, and respect.

In "The Art of Battle," viewers learn about the technology and tactics that modern soldiers use to wage wars. The episode explains the evolution of military tactics, from Napoleon and the Civil War to modern conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Viewers get an up-close look at how West Point cadets are prepared to face the new realities of modern warfare, from overcoming cultural barriers to mastering advanced weapons and computer systems.

"For the Common Defense" deals with the role of the military in American society as a whole. Journalist Tom Brokaw, a frequent host of documentaries, interviews prominent figures and personalities involved in military affairs, including Colin Powell and General David Petraeus. He delves into the role the military has played in American society during times of both war and peace, including how it helped shape America's role on the world stage.

"An Army of Individuals" takes a close look at the people who make up West Point, from the cadets to the faculty and staff. Viewers get to see the diversity of the school's student population, from those who are the first in their families to attend college to those who are following in the footsteps of family members who have served before them. We see the support network that West Point creates, from the faculty to the friends and family of the cadets.

Lastly, "The Next Generation" takes a look at the future of West Point and the role it will play in the world as we move forward. The episode examines how the academy has adapted to changes in society and technology and how it has shaped and molded the future of the military and the country as a whole.

Overall, Duty, Honor, Country is a fascinating and multifaceted documentary that offers a comprehensive look at one of America's most important institutions. It is a valuable resource for anyone interested in military history, as well as for those who want to understand the role that the military plays in shaping America. Through its unique historical lens, viewers can gain a deeper understanding of the sacrifices, commitment, and dedication required to serve our great nation.

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Seasons
First Media Coverage of Fallen U.S. Troops Returning to Dover AFB Since 1991
15. First Media Coverage of Fallen U.S. Troops Returning to Dover AFB Since 1991
January 1, 2009
Media coverage of the solemn ceremony at Dover Air Force base for Sgt. Phillip Myers, killed in Afghanistan in April, 2009, is the first seen by the American public since a 1991 ban on coverage was lifted.
After a Soldier's Death: Story of a Gold-Star Family
14. After a Soldier's Death: Story of a Gold-Star Family
January 1, 2009
NBC's Richard Engel visits the family of Sgt. John Penich, a member of Viper Company killed by friendly fire in Afghanistan's "Valley of Death."
Standing Guard, 365 Days a Year, at The Tomb of the Unknowns
13. Standing Guard, 365 Days a Year, at The Tomb of the Unknowns
January 1, 2009
A rare behind-the-scenes look at the training and duties of the sentinels of the Army's Old Guard, who stand guard, 365 days a year, at The Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.
Memorial Day in Iraq: A Tribute to U.S. Troops
12. Memorial Day in Iraq: A Tribute to U.S. Troops
January 1, 2009
NBC's Richard Engel reports on Memorial Day from Iraq where soldiers reflect on what it means to make to the ultimate sacrifice.
Honoring WWII Veterans at Their Memorial
11. Honoring WWII Veterans at Their Memorial
January 1, 2009
Earl Morse, a retired Air Force Captain, is doing his part to honor and help World War II veterans visit their memorial in the nation's capital.
Remains of Six Korean War Veterans Returned to U.S.
10. Remains of Six Korean War Veterans Returned to U.S.
January 1, 2009
The remains of six American servicemen killed in the Korean War are returned to the U.S. after 53 years. At least 8,100 U.S. troops who served in Korea are still listed as missing.
V-J Day Plus 60
9. V-J Day Plus 60
January 1, 2009
On the 60th anniversary of V-J Day, NBC's Brian Williams looks back at original footage of the momentous ceremony aboard the battleship Missouri when Japan formally surrendered after defeat in World War II.
Raising the Flag at Iwo Jima: The Story of a Famous Photograph
8. Raising the Flag at Iwo Jima: The Story of a Famous Photograph
January 1, 2009
NBC's Brian Williams remembers the battle at Iwo Jima, where almost a third of all the Marines who died in the Pacific Theater in World War II were lost.
Marine Sargeant on Fighting and Loss in Fallujah
7. Marine Sargeant on Fighting and Loss in Fallujah
January 1, 2009
1st Sgt. William Skiles, a 23-year Marine Corps veteran, describes a fierce April 2004 firefight in Fallujah that injured several Marines and killed two other young members of his squad.
Hopis Pray For Safe Return of Missing Soldier
6. Hopis Pray For Safe Return of Missing Soldier
January 1, 2009
Native Americans in Arizona pray for the safe return of missing U.S. Marine Private First Class Lori Piestewa, who was part of this reservation.
Vietnam Vets Participate in Rolling Thunder Memorial Day Tribute
5. Vietnam Vets Participate in Rolling Thunder Memorial Day Tribute
January 1, 2009
NBC's John Palmer reports on Rolling Thunder, a Memorial Day tribute conducting by motorcycle-riding Vietnam War vets to help honor their dead and missing comrades.
Earliest Surviving Draft of the Gettysburg Address
4. Earliest Surviving Draft of the Gettysburg Address
January 1, 2009
The original draft of Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address is displayed at the Library of Congress for the first time in 23 years. Dr. James Billington, the Librarian of Congress, describes the mood of the country at the time the Address was delivered.
A Look Back on D-Day
3. A Look Back on D-Day
January 1, 2009
On the 50th anniversary of the D-Day invasion, the brave soldiers who landed in Normandy tell their stories.
125th Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg
2. 125th Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg
January 1, 2009
NBC remembers the peaceful southern Pennsylvania farming town where the bloody, three-day Battle of Gettysburg changed the course of the Civil War.
Maya Ying Lin's Winning Design for the Vietnam Memorial
1. Maya Ying Lin's Winning Design for the Vietnam Memorial
June 7, 1981
Yale University student Maya Ying Lin accepts an award for her winning Vietnam War Memorial design.
Description
  • Premiere Date
    June 7, 1981