Band of Brothers

Band of Brothers
Limited Series Television

Originally broadcast on HBO, this series tells the story of Easy Company, 506th Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division, U.S. Army. Based on interviews with survivors of Easy Company and soldiers' journals and letters, this 10-part series chronicles the experiences of these young men who knew extraordinary bravery and extraordinary fear. It is based on the book written by Stephen Ambrose, which is even better if you can get your young one to read.

This show is considered by many to be one of the top 10 shows ever. Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks produced it after their successful collaboration on Saving Private Ryan (also a must-see) and was the launching pad for various great actors (Damian Lewis, Ron Livingston, and Neal McDonough, to name a few). Stepping onto the hallowed grounds of Normandy with my family, the echoes of history resonated more profoundly than I ever imagined. The Series Band of Brothers, which we watched after our visit (try to watch it before), painted vivid pictures that brought these historical sites to life in an extraordinary way. The courage, camaraderie, and sacrifices depicted in the series were palpable as we walked the beaches and fields where these real-life heroes once stood. I recommend watching Band of Brothers before visiting Normandy to fully appreciate the depth of the experiences and sacrifices made; it transforms a historical trip into an emotionally immersive journey.