World War II was an epic event in United States history that changed the face of the nation. In Ken Burns' emotional seven-part documentary series entitled The War, he along with Lynn Novick, brings to light the history and horrors of World War II. This series focuses on the experiences and lives of ordinary men and women who became caught up in one of the greatest cataclysms in our history.

The War focuses on four American towns - Waterbury, Connecticut; Mobile, Alabama; Sacramento, California; and the tiny farming town of Luverne, Minnesota - and shares with viewers the personal stories of how citizens and servicemen were affected. Combat experience is brought to life as veterans describe what it was like to fight and to see men die, at places like Monte Cassino, Guadalcanal, Okinawa and more. In all of the battle scenes, dramatic historical footage and photographs are combined with realistic sound effects that gives the film an overwhelming feeling of immediacy. This documentary touches on raw feelings even to this day - and demonstrates that in extraordinary times, there are no ordinary lives. For more information on this series click here.

In continuation with the idea of telling personal World War II stories and experiences, WBGU-PBS and other PBS stations have collaborated to broaden this storytelling effort into a national one. Viewers were given the opportunity to share their own experiences or family members' experiences on a virtual level. Through the mediums of video, photography and text participants could submit their own stories for everyone to witness online - creating a humanistic history book that is personal and will be treasured for many generations. To view stories submitted by participants on a national scale click here.

Throughout Ohio, in a collaborative effort between Ohio PBS' stations, a localized database for stories on World War II from the buckeye state was created. WBGU-PBS Producer/Director Tom Zapiecki captured five local Ohio War Stories that transformed industry previously driven toward economic goals to the production of critical materials for the war effort. Five companies were highlighted in these Ohio War Stories and were located in Clyde, Bowling Green, Findlay and Lima, Ohio. To explore these stories and others that were from regionalized to Ohio click here.

WBGU-PBS also had the opportunity to interview Francis Seibert from Letters to Defiance about his recollections of World War II. In Letters to Defiance, Francis wrote letters home and became famous for his animated envelopes that left a lasting impression on many. To witness this interview click on the the video image to the right.

Most recently WBGU-PBS featured local events for the public to share their stories, as they were video taped, for broadcast online. Participants were encouraged to bring artifacts and share their own personal experiences. To view these personal accounts of World War II, click here.