I love seeing genuinely touch moments, and last night I was witness to a heartfelt moment I'd like to share with you all. I was at the opening night of the Washington National Ballet's production of The Nutcracker, currently playing at the Warner Theatre, and prior to the start of the performance the artistic director, Septime Weber came out and made an announcement that brought a tear to everyone in the audience.
It seems that young Ms. Isabelle Johnston, age 7, was premiering on stage in her first performance with the ballet that night, and her father, Marine Lt. Col. Frank Johnston, was not in attendance on her big night because he is currently in Iraq, serving our country.
Lt. Col. Johnston contacted TWB and asked if there was any way they could tape the performance so that he would be able to watch the performance at some point. In response, TWB got in touch with NBC-4 and arranged to have the performance taped live, and then the footage is being transferred for world-wide broadcast on the pentagon channel so that our armed forces stationed around the globe can see Washington's patriotic take on the classic production(as well as enjoy Ms. Johnston's stage debut!).
As Mr. Weber made the announcement to the audience, he read a letter written by Lt. Col. Johnston:
"I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to see a new 'first' in the life of my daughter, Isabelle, while deployed overseas," says Lt. Col. Johnston. "Thank you, DC, for bringing a piece of America to me and my fellow service members deployed during the holidays. I will watch this show as a father but also as a representative for all the other fathers and mothers deployed overseas this Christmas season that will miss many other firsts — the first birth of a son or daughter, first steps of a newborn, the first tooth of a growing child. The price of duty and service to our country is indeed great, especially during the holidays. Thank you all, each and every one of you, for the incredible support you are providing to us overseas. It is reassuring to know America has not forgotten those deployed in harm's way."
Congratulations to young Ms. Johnston on her wonderful debut performance, Her family on their dedication and perseverance, and The Washington Ballet for helping a father enjoy a pivotal moment in his daughters life.
As a side note, thank you to Lt. Col. Frank Johnston for defending this great nation that we call home, our nation owes you the deepest gratitude for the sacrifices you make to keep our country safe.
~Jonathan Benya
Century 21 New Millennium Team Benya
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Wow! That is a great story - thanks for sharing. Semper Fi
That is pretty cool
Austin Real Estate Team
A great moment and tribute to all who made it happen. Remember to support the troops and their families all year long.
That's excellent of NBC4 and The Washington Ballet. Thanks for sharing the story Jonathan.
Thanks for sharing!! I am always thankful for the support the military is receiving.
It is always nice to know that people still care about our troops that are deployed all over the world. This is truely a heartwarming story!
Very cool indeed Jonathan! Thanks very much for sharing and this is yet another example of what this or any other season of our lives is all about! I am glad this was featured. Kudos to NBC4, The Washington Ballet, and you Jonathan Benya for bringing this to us all.
Hi Jonathan,
Very nice post and a great Christmas gift for all our military people overseas. I know the father must be very proud.
What a wonderful thing. This time of year brings out the best in people.
Brian - what a wonderful story to have been witness to, and for you to share here! A great Christmas gift for that dad!
Ann
What a wonderful thing to do for this father. Stories like this one just put things in perspective.
God Bless our Troops & families they have definitely given a lot.
Happy Holidays!
God Bless LT. Col. Frank Johnston, his family, our troops and their families. This holiday season let's keep them in our prayers. Thanks for sharing
Renee
I knew there was something I like about NBC-4! Wonderful story, Jonathan.
That is AWESOME! Semper Fi
thank you so much for sharing this. I love to hear about these heartwarming things happening to our soldiers. What a blessing.
This is a great story. Very heartwarming and special. All the best at this holiday season.
What a heartwarming example of Christmas spirit by WNB and NBC-4, showing how just a little extra effort can have such a positive impact. Hopefully this attitude will continue well into the new year until our troops are back home with their families and loved ones.
Thank you for sharing a great story. I have the opportunity to remember our troops daily as I live next to an Air Force Base and have friends who are deployed on a rotating basis. Bless our troops during this holiday season so that we are free to celebrate!
This is an especially tough time of year for the troops, when your writing your cards don't forget to include one to a recovering armed forces member. You can send it to:
A Recovering American Soldier
C/O Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue,NW
Washington , D. C. 20307-5001
Jonathan, thanks for sharing that. What a great story to post on. Very encouraging.
Great Post, Jonathan! I'm going to try and make it to the show myself before it closes!
Wow! What a great story! I felt it in my heart and I can hear the music! Very touching!
Oh now this makes the holiday bright. Thank you what a great story, the arts and a family who is willing to sacrifice so much for all of us.
What a heartwarning story--I appreciated your post. Hope your holidays are great.
Thanks for a wonderfully heartwarming story about those military families that are so willing to sacrifice for the freedoms that we enjoy. Merry Christmas a best wishes for a holiday season filled with family, friends, joy, good cheer, and lasting memories. May the New Year bring much happiness, prosperity, and the good health to enjoy both.