Fort Benning GA recently graduated a new class of Army cadets. The cadets have to stand at attention till the ceremony ends and then there's a tradition where they continue to stand at attention till a loved one taps them on the shoulder to signify they have transitioned out of basic training and can be reunited with those they love.
Mariah Wahkinney noticed a young soldier standing alone while other graduates were being celebrated by their loved ones. Near the end of the ceremony, she asked for his permission and “tapped him out,” Liz Hernandez, recorded the touching moment and shared it on social media, where it racked up millions of views and thousands of comments.
Mariah says she acted because she didn’t want the soldier to go through the moment alone. She thought it would have been sad if her father, who is also in the military, had gone through a similar experience without support. After placing the cord on the young soldier, she quietly asked for a hug, thanked him for his service, and walked away.
Liz & Mariah have tried to find the soldier but haven’t been able to learn his name. Mariah hopes that the young man appreciates her small gesture, saying, “That was a really special moment that he worked hard for. I just wanted to make sure someone showed up for him in that small way.”
Source: PEOPLE