It started as a normal school assembly, until a curtain lifted to reveal a surprise homecoming for two Columbia Elementary students.

Marine Staff Sergeant Trevor McCrea has been deployed four times but wanted to make this return a memorable one. He and his wife, Amanda McCrea, hid backstage while students gathered for an assembly.

Staff at Columbia Elementary handed out small American flags to all the students.

Principal Bill Jager showed a video about military homecomings as a continuation of their veteran project. When the video finished, he called Brynlee and Baylian McCrea up to the stage, asking them if the video sparked any feelings for them.

The two said it made them feel sad and miss their dad...that's when Sgt. McCrea came out to surprise his little ones.

The family was presented with tickets to Disneyland and students sang "Proud to be an American" to the McCreas.