May 26, 2009, 9:25 GMT
Katie Holmes was unable to hide her emotion as she honored US soldiers over the weekend.
04/26/2009 - Katie Holmes - The 30-year-old actress grew teary eyed as she portrayed injured Iraq war veteran Jose Pequeno's sister Elizabeth at the 20th annual National Memorial Day Concert in Washington D.C. © Janet Mayer / PR Photos
The 30-year-old actress grew teary eyed as she portrayed injured Iraq war veteran Jose Pequeno's sister Elizabeth at the 20th annual National Memorial Day Concert in Washington D.C.
Speaking before the concert on Sunday (24.05.09), Katie said: "It's important to tell these stories and honor the sacrifice and service of these men and women and their families.
"It's a real gift to be able to portray an American of such strength. I'm excited. I want to do justice to Elizabeth's story."
At one point, Katie - who has a three-year-old daughter with husband Tom Cruise - was comforted by fellow performer Dianne West, who she recently starred with in hit Broadway show 'All My Sons'.
Dianne said: "There is something courageous and deeply giving about Katie, and there is a modesty and grace to her generosity."
Katie recently revealed she and Tom are preparing to move to Australia for three months while the actress films her next movie, 'Don't Be Afraid Of The Dark'.
She enthused: "I'm really looking forward to it. It's really my character's journey becoming a mother to her boyfriend's daughter.
"In the midst of that, there's unexpected scares."
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