Behind the Scenes and More

Lidia Celebrates America: Holiday for Heroes culminates with a celebratory holiday dinner at Naval Station Norfolk, the world's largest naval base, where Lidia cooks for 250 active duty Navy troops aboard the USS George Washington. 

Joining Lidia on deck is her good friend Bob Woodruff - the acclaimed ABC news anchor injured by an IED in Iraq. Bob and Lidia sit down with the active service men and women, as well as the featured veterans, breaking bread and reflecting on good times, hard times and the pride and love in between.

See the photos

Photos: Meredith Nierman/WGBH

"Since my family and I fled to the United States in 1958, I have been so grateful for those that protect the freedom of this great land. The bravery and perseverance of all the service members that I met this year was so inspiring; I cannot wait to share their stories with you." ~Lidia Bastianich