Tears flowed from the eyes of a 101-year-old World War II veteran as he met his great-grandson for the first time. The moment was captured in a touching video that has been viewed more than 6 million times on TikTok.
“To me, he is the definition of a true American hero,” Lexi Fowler, 25, of Usher, Oklahoma, told Fox News Digital about her great-grandfather, Dewey Muirhead.
“Just being able to see my great-grandfather holding his child is something I will never forget. Many people don't have that opportunity, but we loved it so much. I feel lucky.”
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Fowler and her husband, Hunter, were planning a photo shoot for their newborn when the photographer suggested Muirhead, an Army Air Corps veteran, be involved. He served in the Army during World War II and lives near Wiwoka, Oklahoma.
“Our photographers take pictures of veterans for free. My great-grandfather is someone very near and dear to her,” Fowler said.
Dewey Muirhead and his great-great-granddaughter Millie Fowler's first meeting was captured on video and photos. (Jesse Newell)
“When I told her I was having a baby, she jumped on it right away and said, 'This is the fifth generation, so I have to take a picture with my great-grandpa.'”
They began the photo shoot by blindfolding Muirhead.
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“We blindfolded him so we could get next to him and see all his reactions,” Fowler said.
These photos are of Lexi Fowler (left), her husband Hunter Fowler (standing), their daughter Millie Fowler, and Millie's great-great-grandfather Dewey Muirhead. (Jesse Newell)
“So we sat next to him and took off the blindfold, and then he could look and see Milly,” she added.
When Mr Muirhead saw his great-granddaughter Millie Fowler for the first time, his reaction was clear.
“She's so cute,” Muirhead said as she reached out and kissed her baby girl.
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“What the hell are you doing?…Oh, she's pretty, isn't she? Look at her.”
Fowler wiped away tears and cried out with emotion as she placed the baby into her great-grandfather's arms.
Lexi Fowler and husband Hunter Fowler pose with their daughter Millie Fowler while Millie's great-grandfather Dewey Muirhead kisses the baby's cheek. (Jesse Newell)
“Honestly, it was the coolest experience,” Fowler said.
“Seeing her great-grandfather hold her in his arms, she just felt safe. It's like that's what he's been holding for so long.”
Fowler said Muirhead served in the Army Air Corps from 1942 to 1945.
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He was stationed in Germany, France and Belgium.
@lex.fowler The day I never expected to see you! My great grandfather Dewey Muirhead met his great granddaughter (our daughter Millie Fowler)! 101 years apart! He served in World War II ♥️ Listen to his sweet voice quiver as you enjoy this sweet surprise!!
He married his wife Ines before leaving for war.
They were married for 79 years. She passed away in 2021.
“He's been through more than I could ever imagine,” Fowler said.
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“When I went to war, I must have never known if I would ever be able to go home to my wife, let alone see my great-great-grandson. This is my first great-great-grandchild.” [in the family]So it was very, very special to him. There's a picture of her with him holding her and you can see the look in his eyes and he was in tears. ”
Fowler said her great-grandfather was surrounded by family and received some help from the Veterans Administration, but was also very independent.
Dewey Muirhead, 101, served in the Army Air Corps from 1942 to 1945. He and his family went viral on TikTok after the moment he met his great-great-grandson was shared around the world. (Jesse Newell)
“My grandparents actually live about 10 minutes away from him, and he has a son who lives there as well, but he lives alone,” Fowler said. Ta.
“I think he still wakes up, makes breakfast, eats lunch, and is in bed before the sun goes down.”
Dewey Muirhead (Lexie Fowler's great-grandfather), Marilyn Moody (Lexie Fowler's grandmother), Jason Moody (Lexi Fowler's father), and baby Millie Fowler were retired Army veterans from World War II. Soldier Muirhead is pictured in a family photo on the day he met his great-grandfather. -Granddaughter, Millie. (Jesse Newell)
Fowler said when her family made the video and shared it with local news stations, they never expected it to receive so much worldwide attention.
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“I recorded it so I could show it to Millie someday,” Fowler said.
Mr Muirhead surprised his family with the birth of his great-granddaughter, who was pictured holding her in his arms. More than 6 million people witnessed the moment shared on TikTok. (Jesse Newell)
“But if I could give just one message to someone, it would be to cherish your time with your family, and God gave us this opportunity to God and our families, and to use it. He made it possible for us to spread it throughout the world.''The world. “
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“This is something we will cherish forever,” Fowler added.
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