Thank you all for the comments.  My son was singing with his class, but he knows me so well.  He came up to me afterward, and said "Mom, you cried, right?"

LOL

My brother served in the army for 8 years during peacetime.  I remember being afraid that he'd be called back to active duty during Desert Storm.  I know the fear - of course I fear for him daily, as he is a police officer near Tacoma WA - so he's fighting daily to protect as well.

Marchel - thanks - it's about as hip as I'm allowed to be.  ha ha. hubby wants my hair long, I want my hair SHORT, so we compromised with layers.  hee hee

I LOVE OUR VETERANS!

Pat - my kids stare at me during movies like Free Willy to see when I'm going to start crying...not IF.  I cry EVERY BLESSED TIME that Homeward Bound is on, and Shadow comes limping over the hill sayind "Peter, OH PETER, I worried about you..."  LOL

Yes, I would cry at all of those places, too, Pat.  I also have a difficult time getting through anything to do with The Underground Railroad, Harriet Tubman, etc.  We have a few picture books about slaves escaping to "follow the drinking gourd" or piecing together a "freedom quilt" and I cry every time.  It's a combination of sorrow for the suffering and pride for the bravery.

As to Free Willy and Shadow, I admit - that's pure sentimental corniness!  LOL

Jason - I had hesitated about adding YET ANOTHER Veterans Day post - simply because I know there were many, probably more well written than mine - but as I sat there tonight, I kicked myself for not bringing my camera, because I wanted to share the experience with my readers.

Thanks all for the comments - Lou, Tana, Nancy, Marchel, Jean, Larry, Lynda, Mara, Susan - thank you for commenting; but more importantly, thank you for crying.  Marchel, your son is in my prayers.

Thanks Amber!  And keep commenting!  LOL