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On Her Graduation Ceremony, This Veteran Woman Received the Surprise of Her Life. I'm Crying!

Two graduates, one in camouflage military uniform and another in black graduation gown, embrace at an outdoor Brenau University graduation ceremony under sunny skies with lush green grass.

Debra Cooper, a veteran and mother, received her Masters in Occupational Therapy degree at Brenau University's graduation ceremony. During the event, her daughter Markita James, who was serving in Afghanistan, surprised her by attending.

Few moments in one’s life can convey the rewarding feeling of achievement and success in the way that a graduation ceremony can. It’s a very important moment for any student who, after years of hard work and determination, finally gets the diploma that symbolizes their perseverance and accomplishments. Debra Cooper was one of the hardworking students who were graduating last year at Brenau University. She had finished her Masters in Occupational Therapy, and she never expected the surprise that her family and the directives of the school had prepared for her.

Debra is a veteran who served in the U.S. army, and she has a raised a family already. During his speech, the university president Ed Schrader made sure to appreciate the effort of the brave people who have served in the military, and even mentioned Debra Cooper personally for her service. Her daughter, staff sergeant Markita James, had been serving in Afghanistan for a while back then, and she came all the way from there to the ceremony as a surprise gift for her mother’s graduation. This touching moment of achievement and duty has reached me to the bottom of my heart.

Don’t miss this incredible moment, in the video just below.