"Today Show" Celebrates Its 60th Anniversary on WKYC

Friday marks a milestone for one of the staples of American television.

It marks the 60th anniversary of the Today Show, and tonight hosts past and present will celebrate six decades on-the-air at a star-studded gala in New York.

From day one when Dave Garroway welcomed viewers to try something new, Today has been bringing the world to American homes.

"The very first good morning of what I hope and suspect will be a great many good mornings between you and I," Garroway said on January 13, 1952.

Little did anyone know how many mornings there would be.

Fast forward nearly 22,000 mornings and Today is a fixture of American life. Matt, Ann, Al and Natalie are the latest members of the Today family. Over the years, a who's-who list has served as hosts including Barbara Walters, Tom Brokaw, Bryant Gumble and Katie Couric.

"This is stewardship," Al Roker says. "You're just here for a certain time to make sure the legacy continue and people come to this that there are certain things they expect and that they want."

Just as impressive are the places and stories along the way: 15 presidential elections and inaugurations, two royal weddings and tragic events that redefined the country. To help celebrate the anniversary landmarks including the Empire State Building will be decked out in Today Show colors, and Niagara Falls will have a special water and light display.

NBC's Michelle Franzen has a look back:

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