Heartwarming moment soldier surprises son on first day of school after being deployed for over a year
A child in Ohio got an unexpected surprise on his first day of school.
The class had been in school when someone in a tiger mascot costume walked into the room, much to everyone's delight. However for one pupil in particular, this was a very special moment.
Eli had been finishing up his first day of school at Cuyahoga Falls City School District on August 17 when the mascot came into the room.
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A first day of school is a momentous occasion for anyone, but unfortunately Eli's dad had been posted out on military duty for a year, and it appeared that he wouldn't be able to make it back in time for the big day.
Or so it seemed.
"Wow! I think we have a visitor," an instructor is heard saying in the video. "We have been talking about our tiger pride pledge, look at that."
And when the tiger mascot took off the costume's head, it was revealed to be none other than Eli's dad, who he hadn't seen since he went on deployment.
His dad knelt down in front of Eli and slowly took off the head of the costume. Eli's face as he recognises his dad in front of him is one of pure joy and surprise.
He can be seen lunging at his dad before the pair embrace together.
An instructor in the class can be heard to say: "That's Eli's dad!"
They added in an explanation: "Eli's dad has been gone for a little while, and he has finally returned, so we are so excited."
Eli's dad is Perry Chronister, a sergeant in the Army National Guard.
He had been on a military deployment overseas for a whole year, but managed to get back in time to see his son on his first day of school.
Perry confessed that he had felt nervous when he walked in. He had approached the school board and said that he wanted to surprise his son, and they suggested that he dress up as the school mascot.
They had also made sure that Eli wouldn't be upset at seeing his father after so long.
Perry said: "Getting that moment to see him, I was overwhelmed with excitement.
"I didn't even know what to do at first - just walking in to the room, I was like, 'Gosh, it's happening.'"
What a lovely and heartwarming gesture, he won't forget that soon!
Kit Roberts