ITN newsreader Mark Austin was moved to tears after watching a report on the repatriation of the bodies of UK servicemen killed in Afghanistan.
Viewers of last night's 10 O'Clock News could see the TV journalist filling up following an item on the crowds who had lined the streets of Wootton Bassett to honour the eight fallen soldiers.
Tears welled in his eyes after the report by his ITN colleague Paul Davies, who was covering the procession in the North Wiltshire market town.
Austin, 50, who made his name reporting from trouble spots around the world, continued with his job on air reading the introduction to the next item in the ITN studio but was visibly moved as he spoke.
The newsreader also appeared to sigh with sadness after a second news item about the grieving cousin of one of the dead servicemen.
Austin was reading the news alongside co-presenter Julie Etchingham for the 10 O'Clock bulletin, broadcast live on ITV1.
The bulletin was led by the story of the repatriation of the bodies of the eight soldiers killed last week and ended with a poignant tribute to the servicemen, showing the photographs of each one in turn overlaid on footage of their coffins draped in Union flags as they were carried in a convoy of cars through Wootton Bassett.
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Newsreader moved to tears
July 15, 2009
Mark Austin was moved to tears over the repatriation of the bodies of UK servicemen killed in Afghanistan
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john davis, Salford (15/07/2009 at 11:16)
Angie33 , Manchester (15/07/2009 at 11:28)
Esso Blue, Rubber Stamping Office. G. Barry, R. S. Cruz. C. Tevez (sic) It's a Done Deal. Next, Manchester (15/07/2009 at 12:03)
The Devil's Advocate, M11 born and bred, East Stand Lower 104 (15/07/2009 at 12:23)
After 26 years in the Armed forces, I have become pragmatic in my views regarding death in a theatre of conflict. Those of us who chose to join the Armed Forces, did/do so in the knowledge that there is a clear and present danger.
However, whether we agree with the policies in Afghanistan or not, we must not lose sight of the fact that these young men and women have made an informed choice, and those who have died have died doing a job they love.
God rest their souls and also the souls of the friends I have lost in conflict.
Mr Manchester (15/07/2009 at 13:52)
I personally have major doubts about what we are told is the purpose of our being in that country.
the monkey, bolton (15/07/2009 at 15:03)
GOD BLESS their souls
Bigkecks (15/07/2009 at 15:36)
The fact is we are and people should back our services there 100% no questions, no backhanded 'I feel sorry for them but its not our war' comments
Just get behind them every step of the way
How do you think it makes the guys out there feel when the read page after page in the rags of people saying what they are doing isn't important?
These guys go out day after day to patrol, every single day could be the day they die and they pick up a paper and see people writing in condemning what they do
So either back them 110% or shut up voicing your opinions on why they are there
Pippa, Manchester (15/07/2009 at 16:19)
Mr Manchester (15/07/2009 at 16:29)
Bigkecks: I love the 'we' part! In effect, your message to the troops would be -- 'I don't care why my government sent you there. I'm here, not fighting for my life, and you're there, so get on with it.'
Questioning the government's strategy does not diminish support for the troops. It is, in fact, the very opposite. Every person has an obligation to wonder what the xxxx they are dying for.
chillbill, oldham (15/07/2009 at 16:46)
Angie33 , Manchester (15/07/2009 at 17:17)
I imagine it makes them think.Thats good isnt it?
Is It Me? (15/07/2009 at 17:24)
Bigkecks (15/07/2009 at 17:56)
Not it doesn't to be honest
I've been a soldier, I knew what I signed up for and I did 2 tours in Iraq
And when your out there you don’t want to read the papers or watch the news, we got our exposure to the media heavily edited and we needed that. The second you step out of that compound and you don’t think that every man around you on that patrol believes in the cause he is there for, your already dead
Everytime I set off I needed to look in everyman's eyes and know that if it hit the fan I could rely on him and he wouldn’t be a liability
What do you think it does to 18 year old kids that reads being out there is a waste of time?
So don't comment on something you know nothing about, sitting in an office 2000 miles away having morals isn't the same as being there getting shot at
Bigkecks (15/07/2009 at 17:58)
Ive done two tours
What have you done???
Mr Manchester (15/07/2009 at 21:09)
Ive done two tours
What have you done???'
That's a good question. This week I've sat back in my cosy chair, watched the news and broke my heart at seeing 8 coffins carrying the remains -- 3 no more than boys -- brought back to the UK.
And I've had a perfectly legitimate reaction -- utter disgust at this government and its betrayal of serving soldiers. Boys, trying to get out there alive.
CorneredAllTheLuck, Tameside (15/07/2009 at 21:41)
Theowolfe (15/07/2009 at 22:25)
Bigkecks,
That sounds very democratic, so Mr Manchester the message is, just go to work, pay your taxes to finance immoral wars but keep your mouth shut.
Angie33 , Manchester (16/07/2009 at 07:59)
andy waytomakeacomment, Greater Manchester (17/07/2009 at 21:27)
I went to work feeling a very humble man that morning.
Andanotherthing, Mcr (17/07/2009 at 23:06)
mike356 (20/07/2009 at 08:52)