Mayor Wayne Dougherty likes to keep his private life and his public service separate.

But there was no preserving that divide on Monday when his nephew, Air Force Airman James Spielman, surprised the Havre de Grace mayor in the middle of a City Council meeting.

Spielman, who had returned from Afghanistan just days earlier, walked into the meeting during a point when the agenda called for a performance by the "Havre de Grace Dance Team."

There wasn't a dancer in the house. Nor was there a dry eye in the extended Dougherty family.

Spielman had been stationed in Bagram, Afghanistan. He brought back a flag the mayor had given him, as well as another flag Spielman told his uncle was "flown in your honor."

Dougherty, whose office walls are adorned with photos and artwork of the picturesque waterfront city he governs, will find space for the images and flags.

City officials were made aware of the surprise earlier Monday. Council President Bill Martin, with an assist from resident Mike Hitchings, organized the arrangements. Martin explained to council members Monday afternoon that the Havre de Grace Dance Team wouldn't be attending.

Normally, official amendments are required to alter the agenda. On Monday, formalities—and the agenda—didn't matter.

TELL US: What's the most touching coming home moment of a veteran that you've seen? Leave a comment.