Graduating from high school is a big deal for any person. It signals the end of childhood and the beginning of a new life as an adult -- one with more independence and the freedom to live by your own values and principles.
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For one young man in Michigan, high school graduation meant more than just an important step towards the future, it was also an important way to honor the past.
Why One Young Man Invited Michigan Police to His Graduation Party
Micah Schieber was only six-years-old when his police officer father collapsed and died while running a marathon in 2007. The young father, who was only 35-years-old then, left behind three children including Micah and a 33-year-old widow. The family was able to pick up the pieces thanks to Micah’s father’s wonderful colleagues on the police force.
At his funeral, hundreds of fellow officers showed up to pay their respects and express their love for the fallen officer. This outpour of love and support had a profound effect on Micah, who always remembered the officers’ presence and held them close to his heart. That’s why, on the day he graduated from high school, he called on the officers once again for support.
How Local Police Honored a Fallen Officer’s Son at His Party
When Micah decided he would have a graduation party, he decided to invite all of the local cops. While he hoped that some of them would show up, he didn’t get his hopes up since his party would be on a Friday night -- one of the busiest nights of the week for the police force.
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However, on the day of the party, he got an amazing surprise when 18 officers pulled up to the party, lights flashing in celebration of their old friend’s son. Micah was overcome with pride and joy, and he gave the police officers gift bags he had made for them, as well as a gift he had crafted in his welding class in their honor.
Having that little part of him within the police station come to my party was very important to me just so that I felt like my dad was still with me.
Micah Schieber
How Police Proved to One Man That His Dad Is Alive in His Heart
Micah was so proud and happy to have the police officers, who mean the world to him and his family, at his celebration. Even though he lost his dad when he was very young, he tries hard every day to keep his memory alive.
People talk about my dad with such high respect that I want to be just like him. I want people to talk about me like that.
Micah Schieber
Luckily, those around him have also kept his memory alive and Micah can rest assured that wherever he goes and whatever he accomplishes, his father is right there by his side, cheering him on.
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Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.