'Choked back tears': Gene Simmons of KISS makes surprise appearance at the Pentagon [photos]

Spotted at the Pentagon this morning, Gene Simmons of KISS:

As tensions between Iran and the United States increase in the Middle East, the Pentagon briefing room is being used to host Gene Simmons of Kiss. pic.twitter.com/NauZ0bfkgm

— Idrees Ali (@idreesali114) May 16, 2019

He’s there to thank the troops and talk about his love of America:

@genesimmons graciously came to the Pentagon press room today to shake hands and say thank you to troops. He spoke about the values his mother instilled in him about America. So in the last year, the leader of @KISSOnline and @GerardButler…..who else should show up soon…… pic.twitter.com/pmU4562Wad

— Barbara Starr (@barbarastarrcnn) May 16, 2019

The rock star reportedly “choked back tears” as he talked about how his mother survivied a Nazi concentration camp:

.@KISSOnline Gene Simmons just visited the Pentagon. His visit wasn’t at all what you might have expected it to be. (Thread) pic.twitter.com/YAIWHNebxI

— Tara Copp (@TaraCopp) May 16, 2019

Instead of a more “rock on”-type vibe, Simmons choked back tears as he told the room how his mother was 14 when she was put in a Nazi concentration camp, survived, gave birth to him in Israel and came to America.

— Tara Copp (@TaraCopp) May 16, 2019

He was there to help promote military service and thank the service members assembled.

— Tara Copp (@TaraCopp) May 16, 2019

“…a touching and deeply personal speech…”:

So unexpected moment at the Pentagon, just saw Gene Simmons of Kiss fame speak to Defense Department personnel in the Pentagon Press Briefing room. He gave a touching and deeply personal speech about his mother and her love of America

— Ryan Browne (@rabrowne75) May 16, 2019

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