Very emotional ceremony

I am working again today at the high school.  I hadn't realized there was going to be an assembly for Veteran's Day until I got here.  I was a little intimidated, as I didn't know exactly what my role might be during such an event in terms of monitoring students, but I just followed the crowd and went with the flow.  The students filed into the gymnasium and I eventually made my way to the far side and up the steps.  The ceremony began with the principal reminding the students that although we were in the gym, it was a serious ceremony and not a sporting event.  The colors were presented by the county sheriff's office and I was so impressed by how silent the students were.  That was followed by the pledge of allegiance and the National Anthem, both so very well done.  After that some students read their winning essays, and then the veteran's were introduced.  The very first veteran was a 94-year-old WWII vet.  He stood, and the other veterans and students all stood as well in an ovation.  I was completely moved to tears.  The principal then recognized all of the other veterans, followed by current students who have already enlisted.  One of the enlistees is the brother of Robert's girlfriend, and I couldn't help but think about my own son and his plan to join the Navy.  In just another year that could be him being recognized, and tears filled my eyes again.  The program ended with a student singing "Proud to be an American", and even a few students became emotional.  I was so impressed with the students, and so grateful that I got to experience that today.  It was truly a blessing.