Navy dad surprises daughter at high school graduation

Millions of young people across the nation make parents proud this time of year. It's a time for caps and gowns, turning tassels and diplomas. Graduation is a joy for any mom or dad, but for one dad, it was particularly special.

It appears to be business as usual at Westport High's graduation. The excitement builds, but little do students know there is a secret operation unfolding behind the stage. Jose Ramiro, a Navy veteran, is used to hiding, waiting for his target. This mission, Ramiro's mark was his 17-year-old daughter Coral: he wanted to be there as Coral moves through the next chapter of her life.

It took a moment to realize who was waiting attend of the stage but once she did, Coral was beaming. "I just saw the white and I saw his face and I was like, 'That's my dad,'" she says. He had to tell little lies to keep it a surprise. "She was aggravated last night when I told her I was not going to march," Jose Ramiro says.

His military career has kept him away the past three years working with Navy Seals overseas. Coral states, "I think is the first major thing he's been able to make it to, he messed my CF graduation because he's deployed, missed birthdays -- everything. The fact he was here for my high school graduation is a big deal." In the end, she tossed her hat in celebration with a father who lives far away, but stays very close in her heart.