Queen Latifah set for 'Sesame' special

NEW YORK, Jan. 28 (UPI) -- Queen Latifah, John Mayer and Elmo are set to star in the new PBS prime-time special, "Coming Home: Military Families Cope with Change."

Sesame Workshop, the non-profit educational organization behind "Sesame Street," is producing the half-hour special in association with David Letterman's production company Worldwide Pants Inc. and Lookalike Productions.

The HD program tells the stories of U.S. service members who return home with injuries -- visible and invisible -- and explores the heroic struggles their families face in discovering a way of finding a "new normal," the producers said in a news release.

The special is to air on PBS April 1. April has been designated the "Month of the Military Child."

"As America's public broadcaster, PBS is proud to bring resources and tools to families that help them navigate their way through life," John F. Wilson, chief TV programming executive for PBS, said in a statement. "These stories of courage and strength from military moms and dads will not only help reach and support families facing similar challenges, but also illustrate to all Americans the extraordinary sacrifices these military families make every day."

"The men and women of our military have made indescribable sacrifices," added Letterman. "The very least we can do is tell their stories, and to honor the bravery and strength of both the soldiers and their families."