There is a family ritual that Shannon Conrad and her relatives have followed for 25 years.
The entire family attends the neighborhood Fourth of July parade every year.
For the people of Grass Lake, Michigan, the parade is a significant event.
“The 4th of July festivities in Grass Lake has been a staple and tradition in the community for as long as anyone can remember, with the festivities always taking place on the 4th, regardless of what day the 4th may fall on,” the Village of Grass Lake’s website says.
Each year, the procession attracts thousands of spectators and participants.
Along the parade route with everyone else, you may see horses, wagons, and vintage tractors marching in honor of American Independence.
The parade is remarkably similar and is an annual event. For Conrad and her family, the parade in 2013 was particularly memorable, though.
“It is our family tradition and one we’ve been doing for 25 years! In the beginning of the parade marches the Color Guard, representing all branches of the military. Every year, we stand and place our right hand over our heart to show respect,” Conrad explained in the caption of a video of her family at the parade.
Conrad had something special planned for her parents this year.
Her parents believed that their two sons, a U.S. Army officer and a U.S. Navy officer, were serving overseas.
They had no idea that they were in the procession and were about to get a surprise.
“This year as the Color Guard marched, my brothers (one is an Officer in the US Army, and the other is an Officer in the US Navy) were in formation and in uniform. My parents were oblivious they were even in town, thinking they were at their respective bases,” Conrad wrote.
Conrad was prepared with her camera to capture the moment her boys unexpectedly surprised their parents by marching past.
As dad was picking up his grandchild, mom was simply beaming.
Dad, the Color Guard is coming, Conrad had to remind him in order to get his attention. Mom was preparing her camera to record as well. She finally saw them.
All of a sudden mom screams, “Oh my Gosh!” with her hands shaking.
“What are you guys doing here?” she is completely overwhelmed as she and dad hug their sons tight.
Once the first shock wears off, the tears eventually begin to flow. And at that time, she is still holding her sons in place while yelling, “You’re here! You are in fact present!
“I was able to capture their complete surprise and shock as John and Tom marched towards them and the crowd erupted in cheers! ” Conrad wrote. “Ironically, my Mom happened to be filming the Color Guard with her phone to send it to John and Tom so they could feel like they were a part of our tradition for 4th of July!”
Watch this absolutely sweet tear-jerker of a moment in the video .