High school graduation is a memorable event in any child's life, it makes it much better when your mother, who was deployed with the Navy, unexpectedly shows up to witness the event.

The heartwarming military reunions never get old, and this one is no exception.

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Steven Turner, Jr. graduated from Pawl W. Bryant High School in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.  But one important person in his life was not supposed to be there.

Turner's mother Petty Officer 2nd Class Vera Turner was deployed to Guantanamo Bay for the last nine months.  Imagine the younger Turner's surprise when he saw his mother.

"All he could say was, 'Thank you mama, thank you, I love you'," Turner told KABC.

He said it "means the whole world" that she made it.

Watch the reunion below, or click here.

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In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com