The United States Marine Corps (USMC) has a tradition known as the “First Salute” in which a newly commissioned officer chooses an enlisted servicemember to give them their first salute. The officer usually chooses a mentor, instructor, or family member who influenced their decision to join the marines.

After Charlotte Williams got commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant, she picked her grandfather James Williams, a retired Staff Sargeant of the USMC, to give her her first salute.

After her commission ceremony, Lt. Williams walked out of the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico, Virginia to have James give her the first salute. James felt honored to do this, and during his speech, he requested “permission to hug” his granddaughter.

Lt. Williams did not hesitate in granting him permission.

After they finished hugging, Lt. Williams looked at her grandfather and said, “I’m glad you came.” It’s obvious to anyone watching that James would not have missed this for the world!

Video of their hug has quickly gone viral, being viewed over three million times.

“He understands what she’s gotten herself into. He must have been very proud. Thank you BOTH for your service to this amazing and beautiful country,” one social media user wrote, with another adding, “I just absolutely loved that even though she respects and holds him dear to her, that he knew the protocol when speaking to a superior officer, that all just made it even better.”

“That’s his little girl and probably has been since before she can remember,” a third person wrote. “But protocol was observed and honors were rendered. Well done! Now excuse me I’m going to step outside and cry.”

Check out the video for yourself below!