I shed tears when I first played it, and as I posted that link.

I come from a military family.  My grandfather fought in WW I, my Dad fought and was seriously wounded in WW II, I fought in Vietnam, and my son just returned from 8 months in Afghanistan.  That doesn't include countless uncles, cousins, and even an aunt who also served.

The people who man the walls of our freedom are very special to me for very obvious reasons.  They certainly include our armed forces, and also our police, fire, EMS, and other civilian agencies who do that job within our borders.  God Bless the all.

And Snow, the very last thing you did was make a fool of yourself.  Not in my book.

I'm not overly emotional about many things, but something of this nature brings a frog to my throat & yes, some tears to my eyes in spite of the fact that little else can affect me that way.

I didn't lose anyone personally on 9-11, but easily could have if a couple of things had gone differently as they easily could have.  That sobering realization made speech difficult & sleep damn near impossible for quite some time.  I still remember that very well.  And like many others I'm sure, I've had family members serve in combat..WWI, WWII, & recently Iraq--all while I was fortunate enough that my own service was in peacetime.  

But for me the personal connection isn't even necessary for me to appreciate the sacrifices so many have made for so many years that make the blessings we all have possible.  I've choked up at the Viet Nam Memorial, stood in awe when visiting other memorials, & felt absolutely humbled while walking the hallowed grounds of Arlington Nat'l Cemetery.  The true definition of "hero" can be found in the names to be found at the gravesites of many thousands scattered throughout the world.