Why We are Producing This Series

When one of our producers walked through Arlington National Cemetery a few years ago, he saw a sign that read "This is our Nation's Most Sacred Shrine". That sign says something truly profound - America's most sacred shrine is dedicated to men and women who served their country, whether in the name of Freedom or Duty, and so many of them lost their lives doing it.

When we were filming at Arlington National Cemetery, we were spectators to some of the most moving things you can ever imagine. Funerals are certainly somber occasions, under any circumstances, but when you watch a funeral for a soldier - maybe 18 or 19 years old - who sacrificed his life for someone else's freedom. The effort put forth by National Cemeteries to show unbelievable respect to this soldier is remarkable.

We had the opportunity to learn so much about the Cemetery, but through that, we learned so much about American history, and what makes this country so great.

Like section 27. Section 27 is reserved for "citizens". Citizens, that is, that were former slaves who became American citizens. This section was a real surprise to us. The grave markers often showed "USCT" which stands for "United States Colored Troops". These were slaves who were truly fighting for their freedom. Then they became "citizens" of this great country.