There’s no better way to kick off Veterans Day weekend than a hometown surprise.

Redcliffe Elementary in Aiken County posted some touching photos on Facebook.

After spending the last year away from his family and serving his country as a Marine, Aiken County native Lance Corporal Sage Hales returned to his roots for a very special visit.

Usually, surprises in the cafeteria aren’t this sweet.

“I was just about to eat one of my cupcakes when Mrs. Drake came in. That’s when I saw him out of the corner of my eye and jumped up,” said Alissa Farthing, Hales’ niece. 

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