This is what a hero is. Not someone who gets paid millions playing a kids game, not someone who pretends they are someone else on stage or in a movie. He risked his life to save a person he had never met before. He did it in a heartbeat. This is what a hero is.
Sports can be played by kids, but they were created for & by adults. A small percentage of athletes make big $$, but they work hard to earn it, & should not be chastised for it. Lenny....You deserve that standing ovation.
So very true. I saw what happened that dreadful day on the news. Not until very recently, typed in "Disaster on the Potomac", and saw that brave young man, regardless of his own health and life, saved that young flight attendant. May God bless Lenny and his loving wife. Many changes were made that day but at the cost of 33 souls.
For the past 34 years and for the rest of his life Lenny Skutnik knows that when the call came in, he answered. Whatever happened in his life before that afternoon and whatever would happen for the rest of his life would be measured by that moment. On that afternoon Lenny Skutnik would not be a spectator. He wasn't seeking fame or fortune, he was reaching out for life and not just the life of the woman in the icy river. He was reaching out for his own life and before he realized what he was doing he was in the water and he had reached the woman. Had it been even a moment later she probably would not have survived. Her life and his collided. For one brief shining moment Lenny Skutnik was the very best a man can be.
Goes without saying your uncle's act made an enormous impact on millions of people worldwide, I was an 11 year old kid growing up in south london when this happened, and I'll never forget his bravery. And the fact he has not cashed in, when it would have been all too easy to do so, just reinforces his selflessness. Your uncle deserves a long, happy and healthy retirement
Hello all, Lenny Skutnik is my uncle. To answer...Lenny lives a very modest life. He has never tried to cash in on what he did. In fact, he did not even want to be recognized for it and has a hard time even doing interviews. It is correct that he still works at the same place. Thank you to the person who made this video. It makes me even more proud of him. :)
Your uncle's selfless act has always given me hope and has restored my faith in humanity when I've needed it the most. Please thank him for me for that.
Lenny is someone who I look up to as a hero. Earth needs more people like him. You should be proud to be related to someone as heroic as him. Everybody is happy for him. Support from the UK. 🇬🇧🏴👍🏻
Believe me when i tell you, Kat Marie...your uncle is a bonafide hero!!! Not like the empty rhetoric of how loosely the term is thrown about today, for people simply doing a job they were paid to do. But I mean in a good old-fashioned way, back in the time when the word first came into being. Take it from someone who knows of what he speaks. U.S. Marine Veteran here, I salute your uncle!
I was 22 when I saw this on the news in 1982 from far away England where I live - I have remembered this event and this man all my life and still today his heroism brings tears of humility and sheer awe at his selfless humanity - his actions show what is best in us and what we could be - but rarely are. I hope one day to meet him and shake his hand and thank him because I am convinced he has made me be a better person than I would otherwise have been, he sets the bar very high and I can never expect to emulate his devastating superiority as a human being - but I am better for continuing to try.
Lenny rocked it that day, and did an amazing job, he saved someone risking his own life, I am not sure I could do it, so I am still amazed with Lenny , even today
When I was younger, we called him Ronald Ray-Gun. But when I got a little older, I began to appreciate his good qualities, among them his complete authenticity. For me, the very best moment in the clip is the completely spontaneous and down to earth salute, Ron to Lenny, one very humane being to another. Thanks for your comment.
@bluegrassreb1 I think this clip shows Reagan at his very best, one very genuine and humble American, saluting another of like kind. What a tragedy to see how far this country has fallen in the interim.
I had to rewatch this yesterday, being the 42nd anniversary. I lived in the DC area at the time and remember that day well. Lenny was a true hero, along with the rescue helicopter crew and they stand out on a very dark day in DC.
I'll never forget it, as long I live. It was one of those rare firsts for me, 1982, live TV, for the first time that I could recall, I watched ppl live and ppl die right there on Live TV, in that moment. For the few passengers that were above water, I felt their anguish, confusion and horror.. watching helplessly, them struggling and wanting so badly to help. God bless all those responders- But still esp Lenny Skutnik. For the last 40 years, Lennie S and Priscilla tarados names have never left my mind. It's like they were etched in my memory, I hope their lives have been good. ❤️❤️❤️
maybe this is a tiny piece of the puzzle of why I exist in a fight or flight mode. It's been rough. I still have a trauma response when I see this. God bless us all.
@COSMOTOPPER777 I believe that Reagan was a lifeguard as a young man and would therefore understand in a personal way the value of saving a life. It was a fine moment caught on film that you posted here. It's ALWAYS good when our national leaders acknowledge TRUE heros like Lenny.
It's not a natural reaction to voluntarily place yourself in harms way, we as humans, are wired just the opposite. Either you have it in you to act, or you don't. As a Marine, I know all to well what it is to put yourself in harms way when another human life, hangs in the balance. Lenny, I salute you sir!!!!!
Tell that to AIDS victims, minorities and the millions of casualties of his immoral economic policies. Reaganomics (the rich get richer and screw the rest) was the start of the end of the American dream. Jobs exported for profit, workers rights torn up in the name of ‘freedom’ and inequality skyrocketed. He was a simple minded fool whose second term was spent in dementia addled reclusion.
Lenny has always been a man that I admire for the courage to act while hundreds of others were transfixed and frozen in shock. Lenny jumped in the icy water to try and save another in desperate need. He got to her just in time...a couple seconds later and she would have drowned for sure. I appreciate that Lenny never asked for recognition saying he "hates the word hero"... but like it or not Lenny, you became a hero to me and millions of others that cold miserable day on the Potamic. I'd like to think I would have been brave enough to be the sole guy who can't stand it anymore and jump in. You have captured by unending respect... respect that will last a lifetime. God bless Lenny Skutnik every day and twice on Sundays.
Good day to all! Good day to COSMOTO.... Thank you kindlly for sharing and God Bless you! President Ronald Reagan was the greatest U.S.President in U.S.history! A first Class President! Sincerlly!with Respect! T.G.
@katiethekitten13 I always remember seeing that vision as a kid and it has always stuck in my head,one of those pieces of vision you see on the news that is seared into your memory.before i saw this vid i wouldn't have even known the name 'lenny skutnik' but i certainly do now.what a selfless human being and ambassador for all that is right (hope that doesn't sound too corny).i'd shout him a beer any time.if only there were more of him and less people arguing on youtube about trivial crap.
It's weird how on all of the documentary pieces about Flight 90 they tell about his actions, but that's it. They act like he took the dog out for a walk. The man was a hero in the real sense of the term, not because he went to work 40hrs a week, he risked his life to save another.
@whitethronebooks My Uncle knew that he was an honored guest but did not know that he was going to be honored like that. He is also kind of shy when it comes to this kind of attention. Linda his wife and the rest of our family are very proud of him.
Mrs. Reagan looks so honored to be there with him, delighted that he is getting the recognition he deserved and your aunt looks so very proud. Just a beautiful thing to see.
Katelynn: Maybe he did not want to be recognized because he is too modest and thought he just did what he was supposed to do. But the fact is, he HAD TO BE recognized. President Reagan knew it----back then, and now, we have a shortage of heroes. The nation had to be shown an example of an everyday person who did what most of us couldn't or wouldn't do. We had to be shown that there are still heroes among us. Your uncle's heroism will live forever.
@RiverSolitaire I appreciate that you clarified the point. I'm just curious as to your reference to "disillusion to an already economically depressed nation". I have no knowledge of it either way, but I was under the impression that the Russian people welcomed these changes. I'm not saying you're wrong, I'd just like to hear more on the subject. (Thanks for posting the comment either way.)
He was a true hero - not in it for the fame, the recognition, the praise or to cash in on it in any way. He did it just because it was the right thing to do. Check out the video of him standing on the bridge before jumping into the river. The expression on his face tells the whole story. God bless him.
When I read your profile, it said you were 43 years old. That surprised me. I was always a skeptic where Reagan was concerned. But as we (who voted for Mr. Obama) are now discovering, talk is cheap. Intellect was not Reagan's strong suit, but he was no idiot. For those of us who grew up in the 60s, we assumed the cold war would hang over us forever. Reagan and Gorbachev together gave us all a chance at a better future. We, who are now squandering that chance, are the idiots.
Watching this I realized that Lenny was humbled almost embaressed for the attention....BUT...even having the President of the United States looking up at you literally as a hero and the first lady next to you and everything that he didnt want...HE WOULD DO IT AGAIN IN A SECOND TO HELP THAT WOMAN!!
@COSMOTOPPER777 I am not trying to start an argument, but they have looked into the issue of Reagan's intellect and found that he had a very high IQ. They based it off of his writings and found that he wrote very intellectual. Reagan was extremely smart and knew exactly how to fix America.
When I said he wasn't an intellectual it wasn't my intention to suggest he wasn't "smart". He was a leader who's thoughts focused on what he believed he could accomplish in the real world, rather than preoccupying himself with his own imaginary Utopia.
@RiverSolitaire I don't think I made the exaggerated claims about what Reagan did, as your comment suggests. I credit Gorbachev almost entirely for the euthanasia of a desperate and corrupt regime, albeit with a substantial assist from Reagan, who had the wisdom to recognize Gorbachev's vision. As to the long term result, is it worse now for the Russian people than it was?
Trump's version: "We had a tremendous plane crash. Lots of ice. Very cold. I didn't get credit for the rescue, but I never do. Many people are saying I should have flown that plane."
I love how he has to specify "American" heroism. Mr. Reagan, what he did had nothing to do with being an American, and everything to do with being human. Sputnik would have done the same no matter what country he was from.
Actually, it might have something to do with being an American. In some countries, typical 'humans' are indifferent to human life, even if the human is two years old, and lying in the middle of a busy street... (watch?v=wi1sV5g9Bg8) In others, typical humans are arrogant, morally superior blow-hards. (And, BTW, was Sputnik actually a human? Or is that just liberal-speak for 'Humane Bolshevik'?)
Brad, dude. I'm assuming you're an American. Seriously. How can you go all unpatriotic on a video like this? Reagan was one of the best ever, and only a sullen, cynical person would make a comment like yours on such a fantastic video. Did you see the legislators on both sides of the aisle standing? I don't doubt that Skutnik's destiny was to save that woman, but the fact is that different cultures teach their children different values, and I don't believe every American would be exactly the same person they are today had they grown up in a different country. Anyway, the hero was an American. The event took place in America. It's okay to call it "American" heroism. Pretty much everyone but you agrees.
Yeah...I can bet one thing, you'll never be a hero...you have o idea what heroism your countrymen have accomplished for innocent people allover the world...asking nothing in return. But you're probably a self-hating liberal...so that's par for the course.
This is what a hero is. Not someone who gets paid millions playing a kids game, not someone who pretends they are someone else on stage or in a movie. He risked his life to save a person he had never met before. He did it in a heartbeat. This is what a hero is.
Sports can be played by kids, but they were created for & by adults. A small percentage of athletes make big $$, but they work hard to earn it, & should not be chastised for it. Lenny....You deserve that standing ovation.
Thanks well said. Kinda wonder what happened to this country.
So very true. I saw what happened that dreadful day on the news. Not until very recently, typed in "Disaster on the Potomac", and saw that brave young man, regardless of his own health and life, saved that young flight attendant. May God bless Lenny and his loving wife. Many changes were made that day but at the cost of 33 souls.
This is just a few years before the internet turned the country into garbage…
Found the geezer
For the past 34 years and for the rest of his life Lenny Skutnik knows that when the call came in, he answered. Whatever happened in his life before that afternoon and whatever would happen for the rest of his life would be measured by that moment. On that afternoon Lenny Skutnik would not be a spectator. He wasn't seeking fame or fortune, he was reaching out for life and not just the life of the woman in the icy river. He was reaching out for his own life and before he realized what he was doing he was in the water and he had reached the woman. Had it been even a moment later she probably would not have survived. Her life and his collided. For one brief shining moment Lenny Skutnik was the very best a man can be.
Agreed
You got that right... :)
The way you summarised Lennys’ actions, I think you should write a book.
Have a truly blessed day.
Well said
Most beautifully said✨💫🌟
now, its is december 2021, still remember lenny skutnik
October 2024. I watched him dive into the water to save her, and I watched President Regan give this thanks.
Goes without saying your uncle's act made an enormous impact on millions of people worldwide, I was an 11 year old kid growing up in south london when this happened, and I'll never forget his bravery. And the fact he has not cashed in, when it would have been all too easy to do so, just reinforces his selflessness. Your uncle deserves a long, happy and healthy retirement
I was 12.. Traumatized me watching it live.. True heroism in the face of catastrophe.
Lenny taught me a lifelong lesson. When seconds count, ACT!!!
Watched it live and still brings me to tears. RIP Lenny
Isnt Lneey still alive?> It gonna take something special to take him out.
@@dustyflair no. He died a decade ago. But the bridge still bears his name.
@@dustyflair and the city did a nice memorial for him. I drive over this bridge often… he was a classy man.
Hello all, Lenny Skutnik is my uncle. To answer...Lenny lives a very modest life. He has never tried to cash in on what he did. In fact, he did not even want to be recognized for it and has a hard time even doing interviews. It is correct that he still works at the same place. Thank you to the person who made this video. It makes me even more proud of him. :)
Your uncle's selfless act has always given me hope and has restored my faith in humanity when I've needed it the most.
Please thank him for me for that.
Lenny is someone who I look up to as a hero. Earth needs more people like him. You should be proud to be related to someone as heroic as him. Everybody is happy for him. Support from the UK. 🇬🇧🏴👍🏻
Not all heroes wear capes. Some are just called Lenny.
You’re uncle is Awesome!!!.....Hooah!!!....
Believe me when i tell you, Kat Marie...your uncle is a bonafide hero!!! Not like the empty rhetoric of how loosely the term is thrown about today, for people simply doing a job they were paid to do. But I mean in a good old-fashioned way, back in the time when the word first came into being. Take it from someone who knows of what he speaks. U.S. Marine Veteran here, I salute your uncle!
I was 22 when I saw this on the news in 1982 from far away England where I live - I have remembered this event and this man all my life and still today his heroism brings tears of humility and sheer awe at his selfless humanity - his actions show what is best in us and what we could be - but rarely are. I hope one day to meet him and shake his hand and thank him because I am convinced he has made me be a better person than I would otherwise have been, he sets the bar very high and I can never expect to emulate his devastating superiority as a human being - but I am better for continuing to try.
Me too , the name Lenny skutnik has always stuck In my head
And, I aways said to myself, ever since, "When the time comes, be Lenny Skutnik."
Just love the shy, proud look on his wife's face as Reagan begins talking about him at 0:32. Timeless.
This brings me to tears every time I watch it .
God bless you Lenny!
Lenny rocked it that day, and did an amazing job, he saved someone risking his own life, I am not sure I could do it, so I am still amazed with Lenny , even today
R.I.P Arland 💖 a true hero too
Love the salute by Reagan at the end!
When I was younger, we called him Ronald Ray-Gun. But when I got a little older, I began to appreciate his good qualities, among them his complete authenticity. For me, the very best moment in the clip is the completely spontaneous and down to earth salute, Ron to Lenny, one very humane being to another. Thanks for your comment.
@bluegrassreb1 I think this clip shows Reagan at his very best, one very genuine and humble American, saluting another of like kind. What a tragedy to see how far this country has fallen in the interim.
Top man Lenny.
I had to rewatch this yesterday, being the 42nd anniversary. I lived in the DC area at the time and remember that day well. Lenny was a true hero, along with the rescue helicopter crew and they stand out on a very dark day in DC.
This video also tells us the internet ruined society afterwards
I'll never forget it, as long I live. It was one of those rare firsts for me, 1982, live TV, for the first time that I could recall, I watched ppl live and ppl die right there on Live TV, in that moment.
For the few passengers that were above water, I felt their anguish, confusion and horror.. watching helplessly, them struggling and wanting so badly to help.
God bless all those responders-
But still esp Lenny Skutnik. For the last 40 years, Lennie S and Priscilla tarados names have never left my mind.
It's like they were etched in my memory,
I hope their lives have been good. ❤️❤️❤️
maybe this is a tiny piece of the puzzle of why I exist in a fight or flight mode. It's been rough. I still have a trauma response when I see this.
God bless us all.
Respect Lenny from Thailand
@COSMOTOPPER777 I believe that Reagan was a lifeguard as a young man and would therefore understand in a personal way the value of saving a life. It was a fine moment caught on film that you posted here. It's ALWAYS good when our national leaders acknowledge TRUE heros like Lenny.
Way to go Lenny,a true American Heroes being saluted by the Greatest President Ever.
You started off right, then ruined it. Ron was NOT the "greatest ever". Slow down there.
It's not a natural reaction to voluntarily place yourself in harms way, we as humans, are wired just the opposite. Either you have it in you to act, or you don't. As a Marine, I know all to well what it is to put yourself in harms way when another human life, hangs in the balance. Lenny, I salute you sir!!!!!
Reagan was a great and honorable president.
And only a *little* racist. Not bad for those days.
Adder314 he's one of the best we've ever had
Tell that to AIDS victims, minorities and the millions of casualties of his immoral economic policies. Reaganomics (the rich get richer and screw the rest) was the start of the end of the American dream. Jobs exported for profit, workers rights torn up in the name of ‘freedom’ and inequality skyrocketed. He was a simple minded fool whose second term was spent in dementia addled reclusion.
First hero I've ever seen in my life. He's amazing
Lenny has always been a man that I admire for the courage to act while hundreds of others were transfixed and frozen in shock. Lenny jumped in the icy water to try and save another in desperate need. He got to her just in time...a couple seconds later and she would have drowned for sure. I appreciate that Lenny never asked for recognition saying he "hates the word hero"... but like it or not Lenny, you became a hero to me and millions of others that cold miserable day on the Potamic. I'd like to think I would have been brave enough to be the sole guy who can't stand it anymore and jump in.
You have captured by unending respect... respect that will last a lifetime.
God bless Lenny Skutnik every day and twice on Sundays.
This is just a few years before the internet turned the country into garbage
Thank you for your heroism sir
I'd have been crying to be so honored by one of the US Presidents. Plus the standing ovation. He deserved it.
The paid professionals on the shore stood by and watched as Lenny Skutnik showed them how it's done. What a hero!
alright, i could not help to cry alittle
Thank you!
America, land of heroes!
God bless that man!
Good day to all! Good day to COSMOTO.... Thank you kindlly for sharing and God Bless you! President Ronald Reagan was the greatest U.S.President in U.S.history! A first Class President! Sincerlly!with Respect! T.G.
Thank You Lenny.......
The two words "American Hero" can be said in many ways...One way is the two words "Lenny Skutnick"...
Thank you. Every life counts.
Thanks for clearing that up!
HERO. We need more Lennys.
A true national hero.
@katiethekitten13 I always remember seeing that vision as a kid and it has always stuck in my head,one of those pieces of vision you see on the news that is seared into your memory.before i saw this vid i wouldn't have even known the name 'lenny skutnik' but i certainly do now.what a selfless human being and ambassador for all that is right (hope that doesn't sound too corny).i'd shout him a beer any time.if only there were more of him and less people arguing on youtube about trivial crap.
It's weird how on all of the documentary pieces about Flight 90 they tell about his actions, but that's it. They act like he took the dog out for a walk.
The man was a hero in the real sense of the term, not because he went to work 40hrs a week, he risked his life to save another.
@whitethronebooks My Uncle knew that he was an honored guest but did not know that he was going to be honored like that. He is also kind of shy when it comes to this kind of attention. Linda his wife and the rest of our family are very proud of him.
Mrs. Reagan looks so honored to be there with him, delighted that he is getting the recognition he deserved and your aunt looks so very proud. Just a beautiful thing to see.
Да, были люди в наше время,
Не то, что нынешнее племя.......Мужественный поступок,настоящего мужчины.
Katelynn: Maybe he did not want to be recognized because he is too modest and thought he just did what he was supposed to do. But the fact is, he HAD TO BE recognized. President Reagan knew it----back then, and now, we have a shortage of heroes. The nation had to be shown an example of an everyday person who did what most of us couldn't or wouldn't do. We had to be shown that there are still heroes among us. Your uncle's heroism will live forever.
Very moving.
@RiverSolitaire I appreciate that you clarified the point. I'm just curious as to your reference to "disillusion to an already economically depressed nation". I have no knowledge of it either way, but I was under the impression that the Russian people welcomed these changes. I'm not saying you're wrong, I'd just like to hear more on the subject. (Thanks for posting the comment either way.)
Me parece un reconocimiento merecido.
@katiethekitten13 I'm very proud of your uncle. He's a true American hero.
Lousy Ninjas are cutting onions again.
Hells yeah boy!!! Good job 👍🏻 bro ❤
Lenny looks like he would rather be else where. Its sometimes awkward being put on the spot.
He was a true hero - not in it for the fame, the recognition, the praise or to cash in on it in any way. He did it just because it was the right thing to do. Check out the video of him standing on the bridge before jumping into the river. The expression on his face tells the whole story. God bless him.
When I read your profile, it said you were 43 years old. That surprised me. I was always a skeptic where Reagan was concerned. But as we (who voted for Mr. Obama) are now discovering, talk is cheap. Intellect was not Reagan's strong suit, but he was no idiot. For those of us who grew up in the 60s, we assumed the cold war would hang over us forever. Reagan and Gorbachev together gave us all a chance at a better future. We, who are now squandering that chance, are the idiots.
Watching this I realized that Lenny was humbled almost embaressed for the attention....BUT...even having the President of the United States looking up at you literally as a hero and the first lady next to you and everything that he didnt want...HE WOULD DO IT AGAIN IN A SECOND TO HELP THAT WOMAN!!
@COSMOTOPPER777 I am not trying to start an argument, but they have looked into the issue of Reagan's intellect and found that he had a very high IQ. They based it off of his writings and found that he wrote very intellectual. Reagan was extremely smart and knew exactly how to fix America.
That is a real hero
This is the America I miss.
When I said he wasn't an intellectual it wasn't my intention to suggest he wasn't "smart". He was a leader who's thoughts focused on what he believed he could accomplish in the real world, rather than preoccupying himself with his own imaginary Utopia.
@RiverSolitaire I don't think I made the exaggerated claims about what Reagan did, as your comment suggests. I credit Gorbachev almost entirely for the euthanasia of a desperate and corrupt regime, albeit with a substantial assist from Reagan, who had the wisdom to recognize Gorbachev's vision. As to the long term result, is it worse now for the Russian people than it was?
God Bless Dutch and Lenny!
hero yes
« Start with why » brought me here
Trump's version: "We had a tremendous plane crash. Lots of ice. Very cold. I didn't get credit for the rescue, but I never do. Many people are saying I should have flown that plane."
Esto es un spartano!
I love how he has to specify "American" heroism. Mr. Reagan, what he did had nothing to do with being an American, and everything to do with being human. Sputnik would have done the same no matter what country he was from.
Actually, it might have something to do with being an American. In some countries, typical 'humans' are indifferent to human life, even if the human is two years old, and lying in the middle of a busy street...
(watch?v=wi1sV5g9Bg8)
In others, typical humans are arrogant, morally superior blow-hards.
(And, BTW, was Sputnik actually a human? Or is that just liberal-speak for 'Humane Bolshevik'?)
You've obviously never been to Mexico or India.
Thank God you never will.
Brad, dude. I'm assuming you're an American. Seriously. How can you go all unpatriotic on a video like this? Reagan was one of the best ever, and only a sullen, cynical person would make a comment like yours on such a fantastic video. Did you see the legislators on both sides of the aisle standing? I don't doubt that Skutnik's destiny was to save that woman, but the fact is that different cultures teach their children different values, and I don't believe every American would be exactly the same person they are today had they grown up in a different country. Anyway, the hero was an American. The event took place in America. It's okay to call it "American" heroism. Pretty much everyone but you agrees.
Yeah...I can bet one thing, you'll never be a hero...you have o idea what heroism your countrymen have accomplished for innocent people allover the world...asking nothing in return. But you're probably a self-hating liberal...so that's par for the course.
Brad Filippone you know this is the State of the Union, and the “Union” refers to the United States, right? Rhetorical question. You didn’t know that.
This man deserved this moment. Reagon should have gotten him a couple of high priced call girls.
Still one of the most truly heroic things I’ve ever seen.