Dan Walker has praised Tony Foulds, who tends to a memorial for 10 airmen in Sheffield, for his years of “silent service”. Tony was just eight-years-old when a US bomber came down at Endcliffe Park in 1944, killing all on board. A flypast today at the park will commemorate the deceased Americans, who Tony believes avoided landing in the park where a group of children were gathering at the time of the fatal crash. The pensioner met Dan, 41, at the park earlier this year and the broadcaster later shared his story on Twitter.
His post went viral and eventually led to the organising of a flypast to mark the 75th anniversary of the crash.
Commending Tony for sharing his story, Dan began: “A message to Tony. What do you say to the man whose story has had an impact on so many people?
“Well you keep thanking me, I would love to thank you. Thank you for being willing to tell your story.
“Thank you for being honest about your feelings, about that guilt you’ve been fighting for 75 years.”
The journalist went on to share his appreciation for Tony honouring the men of Mi Amigo.
After, the father-of-three added: “Thank you for your years of silent service.
“Thank you for making me and many others laugh, for making us cry and reminding me of the importance of listening.
“And thank you for reminding so many other people that despite so much negative news there are plenty of amazing people quietly doing amazing things.”
Finishing his speech, he concluded: “And you Tony are one of them. You’ve told the story of those 10 men, now to the entire world.
“It’s been an honour for me to play a very small part in that. Enjoy the flypast my friend.”
His tear-jerking message resonated with many of his 58,300 Instagram followers when he shared the video on his account.
One person wrote: “Lovely words Dan. Without you as well the story would never be heard. Have tissues ready for tomorrow. You are both true gentlemen and show there is still plenty of good in this world.”
Another fan penned: “Thank you @mrdanwalker for sharing Tony’s story with the rest of the world. He is an absolute gentleman and so glad the men of Mi Amigo will be recognised for their bravery.”
A third commentator said: “It’s such a wonderful story about a wonderful man. Thank you Dan for bringing this story to the nation, what lovely words. I will be watching on the TV tomorrow.”
Someone else shared: “What you’ve done is AMAZING! Tony is AMAZING! But you’ve bought this fab story out there, so massively well done. Good luck tomorrow Dan!”
BBC Breakfast airs weekdays on BBC One at 6am.