By Pete Allman


There's a remarkable brilliance in the tribute executive producers Steven Peterman and Michael Poryes of Hannah Montana put into effect to honor our military families. The episode taping, on the Disney Channel, features a ca-loge of pictures of Military families incorporated in the backdrop of the shows concert set, and has kids appear in the episode, sending videotaped greetings to their parents. Miley Cyrus [Hanna Montana] performed ''Been Here All Along'' with her Father, Robby Ray Stewart [Billy Ray Cyrus]. The ballad is quite moving , giving a message of hope.

Among the cast who have maintained their celebrity status, Emily Osment [ Lilly Truscott] along with cast members Jason Earles, Billy Ray Cyrus and Moises Arais, all have a story to tell about one of their relatives or friends who are serving overseas. The intrinsic value of this episode presents a unifying theme of ''celebrate your family'', a recurring attribute in Disney Channel programming. The storyline presents Billy Ray, who's been spending a lot of time with his girlfriend Lori who is planning a special father/daughter afternoon with Miley who immediately cancels it so she can go on a date with Jesse instead. While out with Miley, Jesse eagerly takes a phone call from his deployed father and their heartfelt conversation leads Miley to realize how fortunate she is to have her dad close to home whenever she needs him. She sets out to make amends with Robby Ray and do something special for military families. The episode will air this August.

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