But Holy Week, the Christian festival that commemorates the last week of Jesus' life, is a solemn celebration, and once mass begins, a calm settles over the congregation.

BBC: Easter in Rome

Harry Truman -- President Truman once described the end of a war as "a solemn but glorious honor -- excuse me -- "a solemn but glorious hour.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama and Vice President Biden Honor Iraq Veterans | The White House