Boy with cerebral palsy surprises parents by reciting Pledge of Allegiance

ST. PETERSBURG (FOX 13) - A father in St. Pete turned on his camera right away when his 5-year-old son, Jake began to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

Eric Garza was so excited his son, who has cerebral palsy, was able to form the words in spite of his condition.

Jake's father says his sweet little boy doesn't talk much. That is, until he learned the pledge.

Eric Garza is an active duty member of the U.S. Coast Guard.

In a post on Facebook, which included the video of Jake reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, Garza says "I had no idea he could say the Pledge of Allegiance. So proud of Jake and for his assistant that helped him learn it! America Baby!"

He added that the moment brought him to tears.

Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that "affects body movement and muscle coordination," according to the Cerebral Palsy Foundation.

But Jake is clearly not interested in limitations.

Eric says Jake learned the Pledge of Allegiance at Sexton Elementary School. He says teachers and a personal aide work with Jake every day to improve his speech.

In an interview with Fox News, Jake's stepmother, Taylor Garza said the moment caught them "off guard" and said it was "extremely emotional."

Eric told Fox News Jake's mother died of cancer and, since then, Taylor has been "so supportive in helping… raise him."

Eric posted the video of Jake reciting the Pledge of Allegiance on March 23. Since then, his story has been shared by news outlets, and across social media, thousands of times.