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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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I to have a son who's father is in the military. We sometimes take for granted how much a child needs both parents. Military children sacrifice so much. I try to explain to my son when he cry's for his father that "daddy has a very important job, and that he should be proud of his father" but to a 7 year old boy that does not matter. Sometimes I am mad at the military for taking my son's father and my husband away, but I wouldn't have it any other way. The last time we were able to be together was this past Christmas and we will not be together again until October, I know our reunion will be just as much a blessing as the father and son in your video.

Tricia, Anderson, SC (Sent Friday, March 30, 2007 1:03 PM)

I must be alone with this thought that yes-I was brought to tears by this reunion. But this was a private moment we were not meant to share. This child should have been reunited with his father in a private place-then could have proudly escorted his dad to meet his classmates. The chosen photo op seemed to exploit the genuine relief and happiness he felt. What if his reaction had not been so photogenic? Would this have also been on national TV? In this day of "reality TV" we are losing our sense of privacy-here at the expense of a child.

Dani Holland MI (Sent Friday, March 30, 2007 1:06 PM)

Through the heart of a little boy, The World has just witnessed how this war affects everyone. Thank You, NBC. Please share more stories like this.

Becky, Katy, Texas (Sent Friday, March 30, 2007 1:10 PM)

Oh, what a story. I have goosebumps even typing this message! This was such a heartwarming story. I have cried a few times this morning. I told my students about it and to watch for it on the news tonight. You should have this soldier and his family as your guests on the show. Treat them to a NYC vacation to show them THANKS for their sacrifice.

Mona McCarty, Hamilton, MT (Sent Friday, March 30, 2007 1:12 PM)

As I was getting my daughters ready for school we watched this segment. We could not stop crying. I was happy you showed this segment, it showed how difficult it is for families when there love ones are away. Right now my husband is preparing to be deployed for a year and I can only imagine what relief my family will feel when our husband and father returns.

Jean Donovan Fairfax Va. (Sent Saturday, March 31, 2007 3:59 PM)

It is wonderful to see the beautiful, pure and uncomplicated LOVE this father and son have for each other. Thank You soo much for sharing.

Claudette Marshall, Kent, Wa (Sent Sunday, April 01, 2007 2:16 PM)

The story of the father with his son puts it all into perspective. Especially for those of us who will be experiencing this next deployment here in Fort Stewart,GA. This will be our first deployment as a family. That gives me a glimpse of what my two year olds reactions will be when daddy comes home from Iraq. I especially appreciate the fact that everyone now has a glimpse of what it is like for the families who's loved ones are over there fighting for what you and I beleive in.For those who don't personalize the war, because their loved ones aren't there, always remember this it what it is for those of us who do.

Leah Beyer, Fort Stewart,GA (Sent Monday, April 02, 2007 8:54 AM)

This was so touching - thank you for letting all of us view such a wonderful surprise. I shared this story with friends and family, and even just talking about it brought tears to my eyes and chills to my spine.

Jenn Carney, Uniontown, OH (Sent Monday, April 02, 2007 12:09 PM)

MY SON SENTED ME THE E-MAIL OF THIS SMALL CHILD AND HIS DAD.I'VE WATCHED IT MANY TIMES AND CAN'T KEEP FROM CRYING EACH TIME I DO. MAY GOD'' BLISS ALL OUR BOY'S OVER THERE AND BRING THAM HOME SOON.

JOYCE BUSH O'FALLON. MO (Sent Friday, May 04, 2007 10:46 AM)



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