Television commemorates Veterans Day in its usual manner, which is to say, not much at all. Look for a couple of specials on the History Channel, including “Ermey’s Vietnam” (7 p.m.), featuring the star of “Full Metal Jacket” and “Mail Call” in Vietnam interviewing veterans of that conflict. On a similar theme, “Heroes Under Fire” (9 p.m., History) interviews men who repulsed a Viet Cong attack in 1968.

Viewers in search of Hollywood heroism can watch John Wayne lead an all-star cast ashore the beaches of Normandy in the 1962 D-Day epic “The Longest Day” (7 p.m., Fox Movie Channel). The Duke also stars in the 1968 Vietnam drama “The Green Berets” (7 p.m., AMC).

It’s interesting to note that while Hollywood has a history of presenting veterans as larger-than-life superheroes like John Wayne and Jean-Claude Van Damme, actual veterans come in all shapes and sizes. Even in Hollywood. An ear infection kept John Wayne out of uniform, but “Green Acres” star (and Wayne’s “Longest Day” co-star) Eddie Albert saw plenty of action in the South Pacific and was awarded the Bronze Star for rescuing 70 Marines during bloody fighting on Tarawa. “Get Smart” star Don Adams was a Marine whose unit was all but wiped out on Guadalcanal. Neither of these performers, who both died this past year, would be typecast as GI Joe, but they served with distinction.

While much has been made of the cinematic gore depicted in the first scenes of “Saving Private Ryan” (7 p.m., TNT), I was most struck by the scene, late in the film, when Capt. Miller, the taciturn character played by Tom Hanks, reveals that back home he was an English teacher. In that very moment, we’re shown how combat can turn a small-town, bookish guy into a reluctant hero.

That’s something to think about when we scan the Honor Roll of the fallen, shown with sad frequency on “The News Hour With Jim Lehrer” (6 p.m., PBS) and other news broadcasts. These men and women were our neighbors and friends until duty called and they answered.

Tonight’s other highlights

¢ A deceased convict seeks forgiveness on “Ghost Whisperer” (7 p.m., CBS).

¢ Scheduled on “Dateline” (7 p.m., NBC): facts and fables about the birth of Jesus.

¢ Strangers in the backyard on “Bernie Mac” (7 p.m., Fox).

¢ Malcolm and his lab partner share chemistry on “Malcolm in the Middle” (7:30 p.m., Fox).

¢ “Costas NOW” (8 p.m., HBO) recalls the 1963 Army-Navy game and profiles American Basketball Assn. star Marvin Barnes.