Soldiers and veterans in uniform, cannons booming over the noise of the crowds, flowers, and the lonesome sound of taps, as two trumpets echoed each other across a field of flags. It was beautiful in a dignified and respectful way. American patriotism is different from any kind that I have ever seen displayed by Canadians. They are intensely proud. It was a new experience seeing so many people standing together in honour of those who died in the crashes of 9/11, and those who have died in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan since. There really aren't words to describe it all.