A heartwarming moment unfolded in Oklahoma as a 101-year-old World War II veteran, Dewey Muirhead, shed tears of joy upon meeting his great-great-granddaughter, Millie Fowler, for the first time.
The touching video capturing this emotional encounter has taken the internet by storm, amassing over 6 million views on TikTok.
During a newborn photo session organized by his great-granddaughter, Lexie Fowler, and her husband, Hunter, Dewey Muirhead experienced an emotional moment as he finally laid eyes on Millie, expressing his love and delight at meeting her for the first time. Hunter recorded the touching encounter, capturing Muirhead’s emotional reaction as he met her for the very first time.
“To me, he is the definition of a true American hero,” Lexie Fowler said to Fox News Digital. “Just to be able to watch your great-grandfather hold your own child is something I’ll never forget. A lot of people don’t get to have that opportunity and we are very fortunate for it.”
Muirhead’s service in the Army Air Corps from 1942 to 1945 took him to various European countries, including Germany, France, and Belgium. Before his deployment, he married his wife, Inez, and they shared 79 years of marriage until her passing in 2021, showcasing his enduring love for her alongside his dedication to his country.
“He’s been through more than I can imagine,” Fowler shared. “I’m sure when he went to war, he didn’t even know if he would make it back home to his wife, let alone meet his great-great-grandchild. This is the first great-great-grandchild [in the family], so it was very, very special for him. There’s a photograph where he’s holding her and you can just see the look in his eyes, and he’s got tears.”
In the TikTok video, Muirhead is shown blindfolded as the photo session begins. Upon removing the blindfold, the raw emotion on his face is unmistakable as he sees his great-great-granddaughter for the very first time. Fowler gently places Millie in his arms, and a visibly moved Muirhead wipes away tears, his voice cracking with emotion.
“Sweetie,” Muirhead said as he leaned in to kiss Millie. “What in the world are you doing? Oh, isn’t she pretty? Look at her.”
“It was honestly the coolest experience,” Fowler expressed. “Watching my great-grandfather cradle her in his arms — and she was just soothed. It’s almost like that’s what he has long held on for, for so long.”
“The reason we recorded it was so we can show it to Millie someday,” Fowler continued. “But if I could just spread one message to anyone, it would be to cherish those moments with your family and that God is very good for allowing us to give this opportunity to him and our family — and be able to spread it across the whole world. “This is something we will cherish forever.”
Despite his age, Muirhead remains surrounded by a loving family and receives support from the Veterans Administration while still maintaining his independence.
Witness the heartwarming moment as Dewey Muirhead meets his great-great-granddaughter, Millie, in the video below.