I know this may sound like "oh what stuff!" but I was moved to tears once while far away from home in Egypt, and just happened to be nearby during a morning reveille ceremony as the American flag was raised. Just the sight of my country's flag in that austere environment, it's jaunty stripes and stars on a field of blue against the brilliant blue sky....

I am sure that others here who have served their country far from home can recall such a similar experience. I also find as I get older, that I am more easily moved to cry whenever I witness something particularly beautiful, or when one sees the triumph of the human spirit over great adversity, no matter what country it happens in.

In Iraq, for instance, recently a group of soldiers were on a vehicular patrol when a small boy chasing a soccer ball suddenly ran in front of their vehicle. Although the driver avoided running him over, the boy was struck in the head by the passenger side mirror. Injured badly, the boy was immediately rushed to the hospital by the now worried squad of men. The driver was particularly stricken with remorse, fearing the boy would die. Amazingly the boy made a full recovery. After he was taken home to his family, the unit of the soldiers involved made a collection of soccer balls, baseballs, coloring books, candy, school supplies and toys and delivered them to the boy and his family. The driver was allowed to spend some individual time with the boy, which greatly relieved his guilt. This group of toughened veterans sat there, their eyes glistening, as the boy forgave his new friends. They have, because of their compassion, made many friends in the village from where the family resides. Just writing about it, has again moved me as much as when I first read this account.

...the amazing Human Spirit!