Military homecomings are so moving, especially when a soldier surprises their loved ones with an unexpected home visit.
While some members of the US Army choose to privately reunite with their families, others save the moment for a special occasion.
And does it get any more special than graduation?
Graduating from school is a huge milestone and something to be incredibly proud of. Most of us have fond memories of taking to the stage to receive our certificates while family members proudly looked on in the audience.
From a professional perspective, graduation means you’re now equipped with the proof of education you need to achieve your greatest career goals.
But for many of us, the most exciting thing about graduation is that it signals the end of an era – and the beginning of something brand new.
Miranda was one of the millions of students who graduated in 2017 – but she was in for a particularly special surprise.
In the crowded graduation arena, students wait nervously to be called up on stage. The ceremony has just begun, and the appropriate proceedings are underway.
But then the camera moves off-stage, and we see somebody behind the scenes: a young man dressed in a khaki-print shirt and pants.
If you’ve watched a few military homecoming videos before, you’re probably welling up already by this point.
Unbeknownst to his sister, Derek has come to surprise her with an unexpected visit home.
There could be nothing more special than dropping by on her graduation day, so that’s exactly what he did!
As several people exit the stage, it’s time for Derek to make his surprise appearance.
His stomach must be in knots with nerves as he climbs the steps and heads over to the podium. It’s no easy thing to give a speech in front of an entire auditorium of people, after all.
A few people call out cheers of encouragement as Derek stands proudly center stage and addresses the crowd:
“Good evening, everybody. Would you please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance?”
At his request, the crowd speaks the Pledge of Allegiance in unison – although one voice is missing.
Well, Derek couldn’t have really expected his sister to be able to speak after such a surprise, could he?
Poor Miranda is so overcome with emotion that she can only sob into her hands.
Imagine the feelings that would come forward from knowing that your airman brother had pulled out all the stops to return home so that he could witness your special day.
At the end of the Pledge of Allegiance, Derek informs the crowd that they could now be seated.
Does Miranda take any notice of his instruction? Of course not!
Instead, she leaves her seat and makes her way to the stage, sobbing noisily as she goes. If Derek was unable to pick her out from the crowd, he won’t have a problem doing so now!
Once Miranda gets onstage, Derek picks her up and the pair have a long, much-needed hug while the crowd claps and cheers.
This might just be the most emotional military homecoming surprise we’ve seen this year.
Grab your tissues in preparation before you watch this heartwarming video of a brother and sister reunited.
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