While a military service member is working hard to protect our country, those left at home must carry on without their loved ones. But sometimes, the planets align and military service members are able to surprise their family and celebrate cherished milestones.

After witnessing such a reunion just yesterday, we’ve put together our favorite videos of military family surprising their siblings and children at this year’s crop high school graduations.

One student had only just received her diploma on stage when her brother, an active duty service member, leapt out of the audience. Their touching reunion paused the entire ceremony and received a standing ovation.

 

This grad’s Air Force father was represented at graduation with a cardboard cutout. When the big moment arrived, she was surprised to see her dad onstage, in the flesh.

 

This Navy mom made local headlines when she joined her son onstage after he received his diploma. The beautiful moment when the grad caught sight of his mother was captured in this remarkable video.