Veterans and active-duty military play an important role in our lives, as they sacrifice their personal lives, their families and friends in order to make sure this country is safe, both in times of peace and war. Over the years, those people have been fighting for their country and its people, so that they defend the values and ideals of liberty, life and pursuit of happiness that US citizens hold dear.
This is why every year on November 11th Veterans Day is observed throughout the US, reminding people how important it is to celebrate those who sacrifice their life or a part of it to serve this country. On this day, everyone feels emotional, but even more so those who have veteran family members.
This story is about a family reunion on Veterans Day, which everyone will remember for years.
Marine Tanner Dutton of Colorado was off-duty for Veterans Day and was supposed to return home on the day of the celebration, but then his mother told his brother and sister that he wouldn’t come back until the day after, since an emergency had occurred. This meant that Dutton would miss his brother and sister’s speech at school dedicated to him. But that was, as the mother said, a white lie.
Marine Dutton did return home as planned and he secretly entered the Arvada school his siblings attend, on Veterans Day. Landon and Gianna Montoya had prepared a speech dedicated to him who is their hero for selflessly serving the country. Then at some point, their class was asked to gather at the school gym. So, when their turn came, Landon and Gianna Montoya took the stage and the girl started giving her speech with the help of her brother.
They had no idea that it wasn’t only their classmates who were listening to them, but also their brother, hidden behind the gym doors. Towards the end of the speech, the doors open and Tanner enters the room, with his siblings running to his open arms when they notice him. Tears pour not only on the three siblings’ cheeks but also on the audience’s.
“As soon as I open the door and started walking, I saw them looking out towards the audience, and, that’s when the tears started to come,” Tanner Dutton said.
Gianna Montoya and Landon confessed that they didn’t know what to think since it was such a surprise to see their brother in front of them, as they weren’t expecting him until the day after.
“I started crying. I just said I really missed you,” Gianna said. “I just ran towards him, I couldn’t believe he was actually here because I totally thought he would be here tomorrow,” Landon said.
This story is a hymn not only to the veterans who we should admire and support, but also to brotherly love, which is stronger than most other bonds. We’re wishing this family is always so united as on that day.
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