AN American man’s 21st birthday turned extra special after finding out his late father left behind US$10 so he could enjoy his first legal beer.

Matt Goodman reached the milestone Sunday and tweeted photos of him drinking a Bud Light at a bar in Attleboro, Massachusetts, and a US$10 bill.

“Almost six years ago, before my dad passed, he gave my sister this US$10 bill to give to me on my 21st birthday so he could buy me my first beer, cheers pops havin this one for you!” he wrote.

Matt said Friday that his sister, Casey, handed him an envelope the night before and said he was “confused” when he saw the money.

“She kind of explained the backstory and everything and then it turned into a pretty emotional moment and started crying,” he said.

Casey said that over the years it was hard to keep the secret with her mom, but it was all worth it.

“It’s just something so typical that my dad would have done,” she said. “To buy his first beer. Him and my dad were so close and he’s had such a hard time anytime that a monumental moment comes up in his life that my dad’s not there.”

Their father, who died of cancer six years ago, had a strong bond with Matt. He and his father would go fishing, ride quads or play washer toss in the backyard.

“He and I were just like best friends,” Matt said. “Anytime we would hang out, it was just like having fun.”

His tweet went viral and even captured the attention of Budweiser, which sent him a few boxes of beer.

His story resonated with Twitter users who also shared their pain about losing loved ones. (SD-Agencies)