Spike TV to Air "Band of Brothers" Marathon on Memorial Day

NEW YORK, May 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Spike TV will salute America's heroes this Memorial Day with a 12 hour "Band of Brothers" marathon that will feature an opportunity for viewers to send messages to troops and veterans that will run on-screen.  On Monday, May 28 (9:00am-9:00pm ET/PT), viewers can post personal comments and thoughts via Spike's Facebook page that will be streamed live on-screen honoring our brave soldiers.   

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The interactive on-air shout-out to troops is the latest in Spike TV's commitment in supporting the courageous men and women of the United States Armed Forces who selflessly put their lives on the line.  The network launched the "Hire A Veteran" pro-social initiative last fall that showcases businesses, from Main St. to Wall St., that provide jobs for the selfless heroes who risk their lives in defense of our country. 

Throughout the day, Elijah Kelley ("Red Tails") will host a series of interstitials during commercial breaks that take viewers behind-the-scenes of Fleet Week 2012 in New York City. These vignettes include exclusive access to the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp; a front row seat to Marine weapons demonstration and Naval air shows; backstage with Katy Perry at a concert dedicated to the troops; and an inside look at job fair for veterans as they prepare for the future with the help of Spike's "Hire A Veteran" initiative.

The critically-acclaimed series, "Band of Brothers," focuses on the harrowing experiences of E Company, better known as "Easy" Company of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, United States Army 101st Airborne Division during World War II.  Through the eyes of the brave soldiers, viewers follow them from their arduous basic training to the American airborne landings in Normandy, to the bloody Battle of Bastogne and on to the end of the war.  All of the characters portrayed in the mini-series are based on actual members of Easy Company, many of whom are featured in interviews at the beginning of each episode.

Winner of six Emmy® awards and the Golden Globe® for Best Miniseries, or Motion Picture Made for Television, "Band of Brothers" features an ensemble cast including Damian Lewis, Donnie Wahlberg, Ron Livingston, Scott Grimes, Peter Youngblood Hills, Rick Gomez, Michael Cudlitz, Robin Laing, Nicholas Aaron, James Madio, Shane Taylor, Dexter Fletcher, Ross McCall, Philip Barantini and Neal McDonough.    

About Spike TV:
Spike TV is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks.  A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.  Spike TV's Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV's press site at http://www.spike.com/press.  Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.

SOURCE Spike TV