Janson Media Celebrates Armed Forces Day

This Saturday May 15, 2010 was the conclusion of Armed Forces Week, acknowledged annually as Armed Forces Day in the United States. Armed Forces Day was created in 1949 by Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson to recognize the men and women in uniform who have served in both war and peace. Each year we honor Americans serving in all five of the U.S. military branches - the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard. Since the first Armed Forces Day, it has been tradition to celebrate with parades, open houses, receptions and air shows. In spirit of this special day, Janson Media profiles five select titles dedicated to excellence in military history.

Produced by Fortress Films, B-17: Flying Legend examines the importance of WWII"s most famous airplane and raises awareness about the importance of keeping the remaining B-17s flying for generations to come. It covers the history of the airplane, and the stories of brave men who flew them, and looks at the people today who struggle to keep these flying museums in operation. Almost 13,000 B-17s were built during the war. Sixty years later only 13 still fly. Unless awareness is created to help with this preservation, in the near future B-17s will only be found in static displays.

George Marshall"s influential accomplishments are well documented in the Janson Media DVD George Marshall & The American Century. The film features rare historical footage and recordings of Marshall and President Roosevelt and Truman, as well as exclusive interviews with General Matthew B. Ridgway, journalist Eric Sevareid, former Secretary of Defense Clark Clifford and many others. It brings to life the tenacious diplomat and strategist who won battles in both the European theater and on Capitol Hill, and recalls the military leader who recognized the somber legacy of war.

The Last Ridge: The Uphill Battles of the 10th Mountain Division is a fascinating documentary from filmmaker Abbie Kealy, produced for U.S. public television.This compelling film recounts the history of the heroic U.S. Army 10th Mountain Division, weaving together re-creations, eyewitness accounts, 3-D animation, archival footage and newly discovered letters.

This one-hour HDTV documentary A Day in the Life of the Coast Guard Cutter Mohawk (1 x 50') presents an intimate view of life aboard the United States Coast Guard Cutter Mohawk as it patrolled the United States south coastal region in February and March of 1999. Every aspect of the crew"s life and work on board the Mohawk was documented. From early morning revelry to taps at night, from high above the bridge to the depths of the engine room, this program follows the lives of the U.S.S. Mohawk"s officers and crew as they guard the shores of America.