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[ABC 7 – WJLA] Soldier returning from Afghanistan surprises family during Christmas play in Virginia

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. (WJLA) — It was a true Bing Crosby moment at The Riverside Center for the Performing Arts in Fredericksburg, Virginia Saturday night.

Artistic director Patrick A’Hearn tells ABC7 that Army Specialist Sean O’Malley returned home from Afghanistan and surprised his wife Bree and his son Ryland on stage during “A Riverside Christmas Spectacular.”

A’Hearn inserted Sean into a “tribute to the military” segment where actors portraying different branches of the military read letters home to loved ones at the holidays as the song “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” was sung. 

O’Malley wrote his own letter and appeared in Act Two as his wife Bree and son Ryland were escorted to the stage for the reunion. The packed house at the Riverside rose to their feet and gave a minute-long ovation.

Watch the video in full above.

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