8-Year Old Gets Surprise Visit From Hero Home On Leave

A benign conspiracy between mom, grandparents and coach leads to a big treat for a little leaguer in Walkertown North Carolina:

Young Matthew Armstrong knew that Saturday would be a big day, since it was the first day of the season for his Little League team.

But Matthew, 8, of Walkertown, didn't know how big the day would be until an announcer called him up to the microphone during the opening ceremony. She asked him where his dad, Frank Marques, was.

"In Iraq," he replied shyly.

And what message would he like to send to Marques?

"That I love him," Matthew said.

The youngster then got his chance to deliver that message in person.

Frank Marques, back home on a two-week leave from his tour of duty with the Army, emerged downfield and walked from first base toward home plate, where Matthew was standing

Matthew ran out and jumped into Marques' arms, hugging him tight. And the crowd of hundreds applauded.
...

An eventful hug caught on tape.

[Hat tip to Jeff at Voices In My Head]