Holding Back the Tears

I spent a full hour Veterans Day holding back tears.

I held back the tears as a quartet of high school students sang our national anthem.

I held back the tears as a small marching band played a stirring medley of patriotic songs.

I held back the tears as the kindergarten class offered their special meaning to each letter in V-E-T-E-R-A-N-S D-A-Y.

I held back the tears as a host of elementary students, including my 7-year-old son, sang a rousing rendition of You’re a Grand Old Flag.

I held back the tears as veterans of war were introduced - they stood if they could - and were gratefully applauded for their sacrifice and their dedication to our country.

I held back the tears as a bright, soft-spoken yet confident high school student gave a poignant speech about heroes in today’s world. I held back the tears as I thought of how proud his parents must be.

I held back the tears as the principal presented a brief history of America and war. He held back tears as with great pride he spoke of his own family members who had served in World War II, including a great uncle who had served on the “Lucky Lou”.

I held back tears as that great uncle was then introduced to the audience.

I held back the tears as the story was shared of a young soldier who purposely threw his body on a grenade to save the lives of 4 other comrades.

I held back the tears as rifle shots pierced the air in honor of the fallen.

I held back the tears at the solemn sound of a school boy playing Taps.

I held back the tears as the entire audience rose as one, and in unison sang My Country ‘Tis of Thee.

I held back the tears as I exited the assembly, swearing I was a different man than the one who entered.

As I get older I find my emotions more often live on my sleeve rather than under it – and now the tears flow freely...tears of sadness, tears of pride, and tears of sincere gratitude.