The moment of a first salute - a rite of passage...

Whether we become a marine or graduate from high school or college, starting something new is a special occasion. But for every commissioned officer, this becomes even more important when they have to give their “first salute.”

Since they only get one first, this is a very special tradition especially for families with generations of military service.

So after the hard and tough weeks of boot camp, push up after push up and tolerating tough conditions, the moment is finally here for them to take the next step in their military career.

When the commissioned marine is granted their first salute, they are no longer a citizen. They are officially a Marine.

The first salute is as symbolic as it is practical. So when this young Marine faces her grandfather and he offers her the First salute, everyone erupts in an emotional response once the moment is through.

Watch as retired Staff Sargent James Williams offers the first salute to his granddaughter, 2^ndLieutenant Charlotte Williams. He is asking the higher ranking office for a very specific request. Something that you don’t hear in the military very often.

Listen closely at the 18-second mark. Because what Staff Sargent Williams asks his 2^ndLieutenant granddaughter for will absolutely melt your heart. I did mine.

“Sargent Williams requests permission, ma’am, to hug his granddaughter, 2^nd Lieutenant Charlotte Williams.”

“Permission granted,” his granddaughter responds. Wow, how heartwarming!