Santa dropped to one knee before Bob Smiley – a veteran and resident of Foulk Manor North, a Five Star Senior Living facility in Wilmington – to thank him for his service, according to a report from Fox 29.

The moment was captured by Gina Wilbur. She was sitting on a bench at Concord Mall when she noticed Santa walking by. She got her phone ready to snap a photo of him, but he stopped before reaching her.

Santa, who had seen Smiley, 93, on one of the benches, instead got down on one knee in front of him to thank him for his service. Wilbur shared her photo on Facebook, where it was noticed by Smiley’s family, who were moved by the image.

Later, the two men were reunited on Good Day Philadelphia, where they discussed the encounter.

“We owe a debt of gratitude to men like this, that have made such a life-changing decision to give up themselves, be willing to lay down their life even, for other people,” said Santa.

Read more about the encounter from Fox 29 by clicking here.

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