Military homecoming surprises Milwaukee Lutheran graduate during commencement

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — You have probably seen the video all over social media.

An important day at Milwaukee Lutheran High School became even more incredible when Army Specialist Mariana Barksdale learned she would be returning home.

Just in time for her little brother Kalen's graduation.

"After a year of missing so much, holidays and other birthdays and things like that," said Specialist Barksdale. "I at least wanted to make it home for his big day, and God made that happen."

Specialist Barksdale and her stepmother decided to make it a surprise and called the school's principals to see if they'd be in on it too.

"I couldn't say yes fast enough," said Assistant Principal Atoi Sinclair. "You're nervous, like, how is this actually going to go? But you know the memory you're going to make for the family, and there's some kind of excitement in that."

Up until the second Kalen walked across the stage, he had no idea.

"I'm like, dang, I really wish my sister could be here and everything, but, you know, we'll record it and send it to her," said Kalen.

In fact, only three staff members knew the plan, and everyone else just played along.

"All they knew was, at some point in time a name was going to be read, there's not going to be a diploma, you're not going to find the diploma, but you're going to keep looking," Principal Dr. Wayne Jensen said. "Do you want to know more than that? And they're like, 'No. Let's have some fun.'"

Milwaukee Lutheran livestreamed the moment. Kalen kept his cool when the staff pretended to lose his diploma until a familiar voice spoke from behind a curtain.

"To my brother, I will cross the ocean a million times for you. I praise God for bringing me home safely for your big milestone," said Specialist Barksdale in the video.

It was an unforgettable moment for the siblings, sending goosebumps and bringing tears not just to those at the ceremony, but to people all over social media.

"It was a blessing to have her here. I thank God every day to have her here and that she's here safe in one piece," said Kalen.