Kansas City PBS is proud to announce the premiere of Winning the War: Harry, Ike & the Fight for Democracy, a new documentary from filmmaker Emily Woodring (Nichols’ Folly, Womontown). As the world marks the 80th anniversary of the Allied victory in World War II, this new documentary examines the lives and leadership of two monumental figures — Harry S. Truman of Independence, Missouri, and Dwight D. Eisenhower of Abilene, Kansas — whose actions during the war helped shape the future of the globe and the preservation of democracy itself. Winning the War airs on Kansas City PBS Channel 19.1 on Thursday, May 15, at 7 p.m.
"We’re proud to shine a spotlight on the heartland’s legacy in shaping world history,” said Kliff Kuehl, president and CEO of Kansas City PBS. “This film reminds us that leadership, courage and democratic values often rise from ordinary places and extraordinary people — something we see clearly in the stories of Truman and Eisenhower.”
The new documentary will explore Truman’s rise from Independence, Missouri, to the White House, where he faced the responsibility of navigating the final years of the war and making life-or-death decisions that would change the global balance forever. Most notably, Truman authorized the use of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan, a decision that remains one of the most controversial in history but also brought an end to the devastating conflict.
Meanwhile, Eisenhower, with his military acumen, served as the supreme commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force in Europe, where his leadership in Operation Overlord paved the way for the defeat of Nazi Germany. His leadership not only ensured the success of the military campaigns but also laid the foundation for his future presidency.
“I want people to understand not only how Harry S. Truman's and Dwight D. Eisenhower's tough decisions helped win World War II, with the invasion of Normandy and the dropping of the atomic bombs, but also how passionate they, alongside World War II Veterans, were about defending democracy,” said Emily Woodring, Winning the War filmmaker and Kansas City PBS’ Emmy Award-winning multimedia producer.
Winning the War: Harry, Ike & the Fight for Democracy promises to be a powerful, thought-provoking film that localizes two essential historical figures and offers fresh insights from historians, scholars and those who lived through the war 80 years ago. To learn more, visit kansascitypbs.org/winningthewar.
Join Kansas City PBS for a screening of Winning the War
Join Kansas City PBS for a screening of Winning the War at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum, featuring a panel discussion and museum tours. Doors open at 5 p.m. for those who would like to visit the museum before the program. The program will begin at 6:30 p.m. with the panel discussion to follow. Free parking is available in the surrounding Truman Library parking lots, and entry will be at the Main Visitor entrance.
To RSVP, visit kansascitypbs.org/events. If you have questions or concerns about accessibility, please contact communications@kansascitypbs.org.