Being a part of WCTV for six years, I’ve done quite a few interviews. I’ve met a lot of fantastic people and have
had many experiences I never would have had I not been a part of this great organization. Interviewing Senator Scott Brown during Wilmington’s Fun on the Fourth activities was one of those truly unforgettable experiences.
The 3rd of July looked as if it would be a washout.
WCTV Staff Don Leard, Ron Buccheri, and I arrived a few hours before the senator’s arrival, and had been interviewing people under the safety of an umbrella. Though people occasionally commented that the forecast predicted that the rain would leave in a matter of minutes, the ominous clouds overhead suggested otherwise.
The joke for the rest of the day was that Scott Brown had brought the sunshine with him. Around the time his car pulled up, the clouds retreated. Senator Brown and his wife, Gail Huff, arrived in Wilmington and walked across the common under sunny skies.
After Town Manager Michael Caira welcomed the
senator, I moved in closer, microphone outstretched. “Would you mind if I asked you a few questions for WCTV?” I asked. He nodded, smiling as if he expected this all along, to my relief. WCTV had sent word ahead that we would be at the event, but I hadn’t been sure whether or not he would agree to an interview.
“Sure thing,” he said. “Now who would you be?”
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the camera move into position. “Meghan Ryan,” I replied. “From WCTV.”
“And how oldare you?” he asked. “Are you in school?”
I was starting to get nervous now. He was interviewing me, when I was supposed to be interviewing him!
“I’m 19,” I answered. “And I’m going to school at Bentley University.”
“Bentley University?” he repeated. “That’s where my wife went!”
I turned to a smiling Ms. Huff. “It’s a great school,”
I said, and she nodded her agreement.
With the cameras and equipment set up, we started shooting. “So what brings you to Wilmington?”
I asked.
The Senator grinned as he started to explain why he chose Wilmington to celebrate the 3rd of July. “Wilmington shows a lot of spirit during the 4th
of July season,” he said. “Any town that has a building dedicated to the 4th is doing it right!”
After a laugh, I continued. “Besides coming
to Wilmington do you have any other 4th events/traditions you’ll be taking part in?”
“Mainly barbeques and spending time with my family,” the Senator smiled at his wife. “My daughter, Ayla, is performing this weekend at Riverfront Park and we’re supporting her in that.”
I sensed I was taking up his time, so I launched into my final question. “Of course during Independence day we’re
celebrating the heroes who’ve brought our country into existence. Do you have any heroes who have inspired
you?”
His face somber, the senator replied, “All of the men and women who have served this nation inspire me. Anyone who serves this country and makes the ultimate sacrifice, they are the true heroes of this nation.”
We thanked each other soon after and said our goodbyes. The 3rd of July was an action-packed day, and I can’t thank the people who helped with WCTV’s coverage enough. To all of the people who put the event together, who agreed to be interviewed, and who worked on the project
itself, I extend my sincere thanks. Thanks to you, Wilmington residents can look forward to our coverage of the Fun on the 4thactivities, coming soon to WCTV.
