When a woman told a young girl she liked her boots, she wasn't expecting THIS

Katie Shuler was at the grocery store picking up a few items, when she encountered a young girl wearing pretty big boots. 

The boots on her feet were quite big for the young girl's body, but kids being kids, Katie didn't pay much heed, just giggling to herself at the sight. 

However, when she got to the counter and the young girl was standing behind her, Katie stated: "I like your boots."

Little did Katie know that she would be standing in a pool of tears within seconds of making such a statement. 

The young girl standing in line confessed she was wearing her daddy's boots, telling Katie: "Today would have been his birthday."

"But he was killed last year in 'Afghan Stan'." 

The youngster's father, had been lost in battle while on deployment in Afghanistan, leaving his little girl behind; so in an effort to be closer to her dad on his birthday, Mum allowed her daughter wear his boots.

Within moments both Katie and the girl's mother were in tears, while a man standing in line gave the girl a cupcake, explaining that she should always have a cupcake on her daddy's birthday. 

In the post Katie called on people to remember those who protect the freedom that we often take for granted. 

But we couldn't think of a sweeter way for this young girl to celebrate her dad's birthday than walking in his shoes… do you have any special ways of remembering your loved ones?