A young male soldier in U.S. Air Force uniform embraces a middle-aged woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, standing indoors within what appears to be a school setting during an event or assembly related to military appreciation. 1:05
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Teacher reads her son's name, and there he is

The teacher leading the Student of the Month assembly is reading from her notes when she comes to a name she knows better than any other. It's her son's. more

He's twenty, an airman in the U.S. Air Force, and he has been overseas for months. His mom teaches at this Long Island school, and her mind is on the assembly in front of her.

She reads his name softly, almost like a question, then looks out across the room. For a moment she seems afraid to hope, and she quietly says no.

A young male soldier in U.S. Air Force uniform embraces a middle-aged woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, standing indoors within what appears to be a school setting during an event or assembly related to military appreciation. The headline runs in white letters across the lower third.Save
The teacher leading the Student of the Month assembly is reading from her notes when she comes to a name she knows better than any other.

Up steps her son, in his Air Force uniform, and her tears come instantly. His aren't far behind.

The hug goes on and on. Neither of them is in any hurry to let go.

A person in a military uniform hugs another person tightly with eyes closed. A headline runs in white letters across the lower third.Save
Mother and son hold each other as the students cheer.

The students clap and cheer for their teacher instead of sitting there puzzled. The joy on their faces is easy to read.

He kisses her, and she keeps hold of him. The assembly can wait.

A person in a military uniform kisses another person while holding them close. A headline runs in white letters across the lower third.Save
Her son kisses her, and she keeps hold of him.

Afterward, she says she has been waiting a long time to hold him tight. She's proud of him, and of the choice he made. "Just really proud of him," she says.