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Live from Studio 1A: Reduced to Tears

Posted: Friday, March 30, 2007 7:26 AM by Elizabeth Neumann
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I have to take a moment to write about a video clip we played in the open of the show this morning and then re-visited at 7:17 a.m.  The clip shows navy officer Bill Hawes home from a seven-month tour in Iraq, surprising his six-year-old son in his school classroom - his son jumps up, crying, and runs into his father's arms (WATCH VIDEO).

We rehearsed the open - as we always do - to make sure our video played out in sequence and the talent knew what was coming, and after that clip Meredith, Natalie and Matt all had tears in their eyes.  Again when we were live at the top of the show, the clip played through and we saw glistening in Matt and Meredith's eyes as they spoke about the video.  Meredith said, "For all of the negative images coming out of the Iraq war, that is an incredibly beautiful one," and Matt admitted after the segment a few minutes later, "I get teary picking my kids up from school every day, and that's after only eight hours...seven months in the life of a six-year-old is an eternity."

I am sitting in the newsroom during a commercial break and we are all talking about the footage as well.  Our anchors are still talking about it as well in the studio.  Natalie Morales just came down here to watch it replayed on the computer.  It was just so moving, heartfelt and honest to see the boy's expression when he realized his father was standing in front of his class.  Jim Wilson, our news writer, was on the phone saying to someone, "This video...brought everything home to a level where everyone can feel how heartbreaking it is...it was an extraordinary piece - it captured emotion like no piece has ever captured emotion..."

I have a feeling that that short video clip of a young boy may become somewhat iconic as far as representing the war in Iraq here at home - an amazing spontaneous moment in one family's story, but as Matt pointed out, "There are people over there making incredible sacrifices every day."  A special thank you to our Seattle affiliate KING for capturing such a special and compelling glimpse into that special reunion. 

 

 

 

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Comments

I must say this story brought me to tears. I was so touched and the look on the little boys face PRICELESS! I can't imagine what a child goes thru not seeing thier Dad for so long.Makes me want to pray everyday for these families!

Shelly Stevens Rockford, Il (Sent Friday, March 30, 2007 8:30 AM)

That was a wonderful clip this morning. I too cried. Thanks for some great news. Very important.

Joan, Lansdale,Pa (Sent Friday, March 30, 2007 8:48 AM)

Saw this video clip this morning while getting my teenage daughters to school and we all cried. You're a stone if you can watch this and not feel the emotion. It would be nice to be able to see it again. This link doesn't seem to be working.

Nancy Strang VanDeBogart (Sent Friday, March 30, 2007 8:59 AM)

I couldn't put my make-up on this morning because I couldn't stop crying. I have never seen anything so emotionally powerful in my life. What a beautiful moment. The expression on that child's face will stay with me for the rest of my life.

Ann Bailey (Sent Friday, March 30, 2007 9:00 AM)

I watched the little boys face and when he realized it really it was his Daddy, I was crying before he waw. It was a great moment and we should have many more of those. In this day and age a happy moment that makes us cry is worth it.

carolyn Shaff, Lafayette, IN (Sent Friday, March 30, 2007 9:19 AM)

I watched that video and cried....that little boy's face was priceless, I work in an elementary school, my husband is also in the National Guard.... I thought of my sons and how they would have reacted...it was so very powerful and will be one of those images I will remember forever....

Patty Ginder, Manheim, PA (Sent Friday, March 30, 2007 9:21 AM)

Seeing this image this morning brings back the memories of my brother coming down the escalator in the airport on his leave from Afghanistan in February. His children and wife were so overwhelmed to see him in person, safe and sound. We were overcome by the overwhelming sound of applause as everyone in the airport turned from what they were doing to welcome my brother home...thank you Today for showing the human side of this war and how it effects the children and families we all know and love.

Robin, Salt Lake City Utah (Sent Friday, March 30, 2007 9:31 AM)

This is a perfect example of why the majority of americans want our troops to come home. A 6 year old boy is showing President Bush the way this country feels.

Travis Dumas Fountain, Colorado (Sent Friday, March 30, 2007 9:32 AM)

Amazing, I'm STILL crying over it! This one is being passed around the office. God bless our Troops and repay them 100 fold for the sacrifices they have made!

Kim, New Jersey (Sent Friday, March 30, 2007 9:35 AM)

I saw this on the show this morning and could not get this little boy off my mind. I came to work to share it with my staff and sat and cried. The look on this little boys face is priceless and will always be remembered... My father was Military as I was growing up and understand what these families are going through.

Sandy Thompson, Rock Hill. South Carolina (Sent Friday, March 30, 2007 9:41 AM)

Thank you to NBC for showing the human face of our amazing soldier and their families. That little boy's world walked through that door and it is important in the midst of all the political garbage going on that we remember that our soldiers are people with families, too. I can't wait for the day my kids can greet their dad walking back into their world, too. We have had a long deployment, with a longer extension and it will be so wonderful to see that kind of joy on their faces when he comes home. He is our world, not just our hero! Thank you to all the men and women of the armed forces, you are all amazing and your families love you and are SO proud of you!

H Jones, MN (Sent Friday, March 30, 2007 9:46 AM)

I was very touched this morning by the story of the returning soldier. Being an individual that has dealt with the military for my entire life I appreciate those small clips because it shows America a more complete picture of the military. Many military families never have to know the pain of loosing a loved one to the violence of war; but each of us have to deal with the pain of our loved ones leaving for a minimum of six months at a time whether we are struggling with war or we have the bliss of peace. Though our military signs up for this duty it doesn’t make it any easier. We don’t ask nor do we want the American people to bow at our feet for what we do but it is always appreciate when the American people and media acknowledge that no matter what is going on in the world some military family somewhere is struggling with their loved one being gone. Thank you for the story this morning I feel that stories like this one makes the everyone in America feel something more for the military families of the world. It allows everyone to experience the pain and joy of the departures and homecomings of our soldiers. Please keep highlighting the wonderful stories of our soldiers, even once the war has ended and our solders are home. Don’t let them be forgotten because they are always sacrificing for us. Thank you

Virginia Beach, Va (Sent Friday, March 30, 2007 9:46 AM)

I have watched this video at least 6 times and I cry everytime. These poor families and what they have to endure. What a great clip!!

Karen Plaistowe, Rockaway, NJ (Sent Friday, March 30, 2007 9:54 AM)

I am an avid watcher of "The Today Show". I watch it as I get dressed for work each morning . This morning I stopped and cried when I saw the preview for it. I called my mom to make sure she sees it when the video aired and was on the phone with her when they played the video in its entirety. My mom and I balled at that story. It was truly touching, even now I tear up at remembering the look on that little boy's face. I want to thank the family for sharing that moment with us.

Oneeka Tyrrell Takoma Park, Maryland (Sent Friday, March 30, 2007 10:05 AM)

I was watching the Today show (as I have for the last 20 years!!) while getting ready for work. My son is in Iraq - his third tour - but this time he left behind a wife and a son that had just turned two. They are living with us and waiting for June when my son will come home for two weeks. I know the joy in that little boy and I cried every time you showed the clip and when I told people at work they all logged on to watch. You touched so many hearts with that clip. Hopefully it will encourage people to pray for that family and all the others who have loved ones serving!

Mary Lindsey, Newark, Ohio (Sent Friday, March 30, 2007 10:21 AM)

I was getting ready for work as this came on this morning and was unable to even put my makeup on because I was crying so hard! This was such a powerful 1 minute video clip. It just goes to show how much these families are affected by this war. People say little kids don't realize what's going on but this right here proves that they do! Good job!

Shannon, Maryland (Sent Friday, March 30, 2007 10:22 AM)

What a precious thing to see. I can only imagine what his father felt also. I'm sure he was just as excited to see his little boy as well. Seven months without daddy must seem like forever for a 6 year old. My problems seem trivial now.

DW,Morrisonville,IL (Sent Friday, March 30, 2007 10:22 AM)

I cried, that little boys face was amazing. My father was in Iraq, and my daughters and their classes wrote to him and he wrote back and shared many experiences with them. We need to watch our children and learn from them. That little boy's face is the face of what America should be, for every single American Military Personel.

Adele Thermes, Eau Claire, WI 54701 (Sent Friday, March 30, 2007 10:23 AM)

This is the most precious thing I have ever seen. I can't stop crying about it. It really brings it all home. I will never forget this little boy's expression. Thanks for a great story.

Mary Ellen Martin, Edison, NJ (Sent Friday, March 30, 2007 10:25 AM)

I just watched the video and it brought tears to my eyes. This is the type of footage we should be seeing more of in the news instead of the bad news that comes out of Iraq. I can still picture my family's faces when I came home after a 6 month deployment to the Persian Gulf in 1998 - priceless.

Peggy McGuinness, Chesapeake, Virginia (Sent Friday, March 30, 2007 10:25 AM)

I saw this clip in the first few minutes of the show, I cried then and 3 hours later I am still tearing up. I will remember that image forever. God Bless and Thank you to our Men and Women of the United States Military.

Celeste Bruno, Lansdale, PA (Sent Friday, March 30, 2007 10:27 AM)

I too watched this video and cried. You could sense that the tears on that little boy's face were not tears of joy but tears of relief, of stress lifted, of fears unrealized. My heart breaks for those little boys who's dads won't come home.

Mary Perez (Sent Friday, March 30, 2007 10:32 AM)

At age 63, there are very few things that can reduce me to tears but your segment on the father returning from the Iraq war to the open arms of his little boy did just that. More of this type story please.

Coralie Fletcher, Bone Gap, IL (Sent Friday, March 30, 2007 10:35 AM)

What a wonderful glimpse into the life of one military family! We should all be so very thankful for these inspiring men and women who serve us every day and for the sacrifices they and their families make! From my family, thank you!!!

Kathy Buchanan, Princeton, NJ (Sent Friday, March 30, 2007 10:38 AM)

I emailed that link to my friends and family. I am at work and had to really hold back the tears. Words cannot express how touching that was to see a son's love for his father.

Kim, Kensington, Maryland (Sent Friday, March 30, 2007 10:44 AM)

If this doesn't show how much we need to get our troops home, I simply don't know what does.

Jody Harrell, Sioux Falls, South Dakota (Sent Friday, March 30, 2007 10:44 AM)

What a wonderful way to start my day!! I wish the show could be all about "Feel Good" stories like this!!! I want to thank you for starting off the show with this instead of all the bad things going on!! I have children and can't imagine the emotion in that room!! Wonderful!!

Jennifer, Wichita KS (Sent Friday, March 30, 2007 10:45 AM)

Not only did I cry at home, but I cried as I told my co-workers this story. They cried when I told them and then I showed them the clip from your web site, and they cried even harder. Children are so innocent and vulnerable. What a beautiful way to start a weekend, with a story like this. That little boy will never be forgotten by anyone who has seen this story. God Bless him, his family, and everyone who is serving and have served our country.

Dacia Sommer, Waukon, Iowa (Sent Friday, March 30, 2007 10:55 AM)

Thank you for showing the clip in the original format without comment. As a USMC retired wife, I went through several deployments in the 80's and 90's with a baby or two small children at home. it is important for the American people to be reminded how strong these little people are on a daily basis as we all wait with anticipation for our loved ones return. These young people are true patriots while their mothers and fathers go off and answer the call of duty to their country. Please always remember the special sacrifice a military child makes for their country as well.

C. Doerr, Montclair, VA (Sent Friday, March 30, 2007 11:00 AM)

This was definately a Norman Rockwell moment--a scene that could be taken from today, or WWII. We owe a debt of gratitude for all our men and women that serve our country now, and for our veterans from past wars, AS WELL as for the sacrifices made by their families everyday. This video segment cetainly makes one acutely aware of what is really important in life!

Myra Dionne, Smithfield, RI (Sent Friday, March 30, 2007 11:08 AM)

Great story! Thank you! Great start to my day...as a law enforcement officer I deal with crap all day..... Thanks for bringing me back to reality! Is this not what life is really about -family/kids?

Eric Mattke, Paso Robles california (Sent Friday, March 30, 2007 11:10 AM)

It is hard not to get choked up seeing that video. We need to be so thankful to all our service personel. Here is another touching video of soldiers coming home. http://youtube.com/watch?v=osTrMe76kes This will make you feel proud as well and a great tribute.

Tom, Denver, Co (Sent Friday, March 30, 2007 11:26 AM)

C. Doerr - - Thank you for opening my eyes to that idea. I have never quite thought of it that way, and you couldn't be more correct. Thank you for sharing that with me!! I watched this video this morning and was rendered speechless. As I sat there tearing up, my mind cleared, and all I could concentrate on was the look on that little boy's face. There are no words for me....

Tara H. North Platte, NE (Sent Friday, March 30, 2007 11:41 AM)

Within the first 5 seconds of of the previews to this story I was in tears. I was getting ready for work this morning and in the middle of putting on my makeup, this played....I cried. Washed my faced, started over. My husband got back from the bus stop, I told him about it, started crying again, then he cried. Washed face again, started the makeup routine over. Then about 20 minutes later, the whole story aired, I cried, my husband came into the bedroom crying.....and we were giggling and crying together. What a heartfelt story!!! It's so nice to have a happy cry when their is so much sadness around this war. Thank you for this happy emotional story!!

Teresa Smith, Avenue, MD (Sent Friday, March 30, 2007 11:41 AM)

What a priceless moment! The tears and the joy of the young child so excited to see his father return from a turmoiled country...and to return alive and well! A huge "thank-you" to the dad who left his child and/or children and family to fight for our freedom. The memory and vision of the tears of this young son and for what his father is doing for our country will never be forgotten.

Carol, Indiana (Sent Friday, March 30, 2007 11:46 AM)

What an amazing sight! No matter how you feel about the war, remember the family members who must endure the daily media exposure of all the horrid atrocities of war knowing their loved one is in the middle of it. Thank you for bringing the human side, not the political side to the forefront for all to see. I pray that God will protect all our military personnel until they are reunited with their loved ones. I can only pray this little boy won't be saying goodbye again soon!

Kathleen, Pittsburgh, Pa (Sent Friday, March 30, 2007 11:52 AM)

I thought I had a tearing problem as I have not shed a tear in 8 years. I just viewed the video of the little 6 year old boy seeing his daddy home from Irag. I do not have a tearing problem. They keep coming. This war and how it has affected thousands of lives spells out right here in the heart of a child.

Mary Lauron, Houston, Texas (Sent Friday, March 30, 2007 11:54 AM)

As I sit and watch this video I remember a year ago when my husband came home from Iraq and how touching it was for my kids and to see the excitement on this little boy's face when he realized it was his dad was just AWESOME. Thank you for showing that the military families are people too. Great job. (I'm still wiping tears away)

Penny Schneider, Griffin, GA (Sent Friday, March 30, 2007 11:57 AM)

And we don't think WAR and the absence of parents affect the children! Thank you, NBC for showing the world the pains of absence and opening up the eyes of congress to end this war soon and reunite families.

Lisa Rose, Sugar Land, Texas (Sent Friday, March 30, 2007 12:05 PM)

Words can not express how powerful that video clip is. Thank you to all who made it possible for our country to view it. They have given our country a true gift to save and share! That little guy and his father will forever live in my heart! Welcome Home!

Jane H Minneapolis MN (Sent Friday, March 30, 2007 12:13 PM)

The finest expression of LOVE I've ever seen,touches all the corners of my mind in pursuit of my own desire to love and be loved.

James Hahn, Denver, CO. (Sent Friday, March 30, 2007 12:18 PM)

Truly touching! I'm in tears too! God bless our troop and their families!

Alice (Sent Friday, March 30, 2007 12:26 PM)

Thanks for sharing such and incredible and emotional 2 minutes with me. God bless this family and all those affected by this war. I have never been in the military, but this piece gave me even more admiration for those who sacrifice so much for us. As soon as this piece was over, I hugged my 5 and 8 year old and quitely thanked those who have allowed me to raise a wonderful family in this great country of ours. God Bless America.

John, Syracuse, NY (Sent Friday, March 30, 2007 12:32 PM)

Every time I hear the news start with the war,I walk away from the TV, however today I stayed and watched something that needed no words, music or commentary. The child's face,..the father/soldier's reaction was all you needed to realize that its time for our soldiers to come home.

Tracy Giuffre, West Sayville NY (Sent Friday, March 30, 2007 12:37 PM)

The war in Iraq has taken on many faces....most of them very ugly. This story and video is one of the most compelling "home faces" I could possibly imagine. Matt was so right in stating that "seven months in the life of a six-year-old is an eternity." Whether one agrees or disagrees with the Iraqi war effort, we have to remember that the "kids" (they are to me anyway) shouldering this effort deserve our full respect and support. Thanks to Today for also reminding us about the emotional battles being waged at home every day by the families of our soldiers.

Alan Smith (Sent Friday, March 30, 2007 12:40 PM)

My daughter is in this little boys class and when I talked to her about it, she teared up too. Seems to be an emotional moment for all the kids in the class too. How can anyone watch something so precious and not tear up.

Tami, Sedro Woolley, WA (Sent Friday, March 30, 2007 12:44 PM)

I am still crying from watching the video. The emotion of that little boy, his mommy, and of course the Sailor is euphoric relief. Everyone that has, or has had a family member in the Middle East knows that feeling."My" Soldier arrived home two weeks ago after a year in Iraq. As soon as he called me from US soil, all of the anxiety of the last year was lifted. Every Service Member has someone back here that feels the expression on that childs face. A wife, a child, a sibling, a grandparent, aunt, uncle, cousin, or Parent. "My" Soldier is my son. Thank you to all US Service Members, and to their families - The strength behind our Hero's.

D'Anne Smith, El Paso, TX (Sent Friday, March 30, 2007 12:44 PM)

This segment is going to eventually become a major moment in history. It is truly one of the most powerful pieces of footage I have seen in some time. As I watched it with my two year son, I found tears streaming down my face. This is a perfect example of why we must always question our leaders when they send our troops into harm's way. They're soldiers to the administration but so much more to those who love and miss them. Welcome Home!

Mark E Turlock, CA (Sent Friday, March 30, 2007 12:51 PM)

This story captured my heart this morning. It is truly amazing how the emotions of a child can break into pieces the heart of stone. I see more clearly how the Holy Scriptures can say...and a little child shall lead them.

Patricia Roark, Bolivar, MO (Sent Friday, March 30, 2007 12:54 PM)

I heard them say that whole thing about having a kleenex handy and I shrugged it off, but it DID make me cry. Just seeing that little boy's face all crumpled up and happy to see his dad. Made me teary eyed again when I showed it at work to my coworker.

Kristine B., Chicago, IL (Sent Friday, March 30, 2007 1:03 PM)



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