When Elmo and Rosita were talking, I was like, wow.
My kids are right there.
I was really excited, because I'm like hey, I'm home.
I'm home.
I get to hold my kids again.
Elmo especially loves being with all his military friends.
[applause and cheering]
[rosita laughs]
ROSITA: Why is that, Elmo?
Well, because we have a lot in common.
You do?
Like what?
Well like, we all have red fur.
Wait a minute.
You don't have red fur, do you?
ELMO: Elmo was just kidding.
The real reason Elmo really feels close to them
is because Elmo knows what it's like when a mommy and daddy
has to go away for a long time.
ROSITA: Oh, that's right, because your daddy
went away too, right?
ELMO: Yeah, and Elmo knows how hard that can be.
ROSITA: Will everyone like to watch the film
about Elmo's daddy now?
Yeah!
ROSITA: OK.
Let's watch the clip.
OK?
And then we come back after.
ELMO: Yeah, roll it.
Do you know what today is?
Thursday?
ELMO'S DAD: Well, yes.
Yes, it is Thursday, but it's also that day we talked about.
Remember?
The day I have to go.
YOUNG ELMO: Oh, yeah.
I need to go help some people.
It's a very important job, and well, it's
just something I have to do.
MUPPETS: (SINGING) Your daddy's going away for a while
to help some friends in need.
And he hopes that you'll be proud of him,
and help him get ready to leave.
When I'm gone I know that all your friends
will be here for you.
Sing you a song.
To help you along.
To sharing whatever you love to do.
To have the same games to play, funny faces, and sunny days.
So to sing along the way, we're gonna be here for you.
He'll be here for you.
[applause]
MOM: Not everybody understands what military kids go through,
and that show was wonderful.
Because it helps the kids.
It helps them realize that they're not alone.
Tristan and Alyssa?
Are they here?
Right here!
Right here.
Come on, I'm gonna bring them up.
Come on. ELMO: Come on.
Come on up here, kids.
Yes.
Was that awesome?
Did they do a great job, or what?
Thank you.
Absolutely.
[cheering]
MAN: Alyssa and Tristan's dad, he's
been off serving our country for the past seven months.
And needless to say, they've been missing him a lot.
Haven't you, Tristan?
Yes.
Well, one thing I do have to say
is I am very proud of Rosita.
Because she knows how to keep a secret,
because the secret is Tristan doesn't
have to miss him any longer.
You guys want to know why he doesn't
have to miss him anymore?
Yes.
Then please join me in welcoming home
in a surprise return from Iraq, Alyssa and Tristan's
daddy, Sergeant Mark Bomarino.
I seen it in Tristan's eyes-- my dad.
It just overwhelms you with happiness.
[crowd cheering]
[family crying]
Yay!
You know, I'm going back home again with my awesome kids.
You hug them, and you don't want to let them go.
You just, you're like, hey, I'm back.
I'm here again, you know.
I'm back to stay.
[applause and crying]
MOM: Life at that moment is wonderful, because just the
love that they have for him.
It just shows how great of a dad he really is,
and that the kids really do miss him.
Welcome home, Sergeant.
It was the best gift ever, because I finally got my wish.
Dad finally got to came home, and I
finally got to hug him again.
I love you guys.
When Elmo saw the whole family together
Elmo always so happy that they finally were reunited again.
Sergeant Mark Bomarino, on behalf of your very surprised
family, Rosita, Elmo, and all of our friends at Sesame Street
and a very grateful nation, welcome home, sir.
[cheering]