Gudang Starlounge: Katie Holmes shows her emotional side as she wells up at memorial concert in D.C.

Katie Holmes shows her emotional side as she wells up at memorial concert in D.C.

Katie Holmes showed her hidden emotional side at a soldiers memorial concert in Washington D.C. over the weekend.

The actress, 30, grew teary eyed as she performed the story of injured Iraq war veteran Jose Pequeno during the dress rehearsal.

Visibly moved as she played the part of Jose's sister Elizabeth, her recent Broadway co-star Dianne Wiest grabbed her hand for reassurance.

Katie Holmes in rehearsal for the 20th anniversary of the National Memorial Day Concert at the steps of the Capitol in Washington DC

Moving: Katie Holmes grew teary-eyed as she read the story of an injured Iraq war veteran at a Memorial Day concert in Washington D.C.

Sunday's live televised concert marked the first time Katie and Dianne had performed together in five months after starring in All My Sons together in New York last year.

In keeping with the serious nature of the concert, Katie shunned high fashion for a navy ensemble of high-waisted trousers and matching blouse for the dress rehearsal on Saturday.

Speaking before the concert on Sunday, she said: 'It's important to tell these stories and honour 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 her (Elizabeth's) story.'

Katie Holmes and Dianne Wiest are seen during the dress rehearsals for the 20th anniversary of the National Memorial Day Concert

Support: Katie looks deep in contemplation as she holds her All My Sons co-star Dianne Wiest's hand during dress rehearsals

Dianne added: 'There is something courageous and deeply giving about Katie, and there is a modesty and grace to her generosity. The remarkable woman she plays in the concert will be well-served.'

Katie spent the weekend in the U.S. Capital with husband Tom Cruise, daughter Suri and her stepson Connor.

Proud husband Tom and his son Connor were seen arriving on Sunday evening with Katie ahead of her shining moment on stage.

The actress had kept her dress code low-key, but looked slightly more glamorous in a black jersey dress than her trouser ensemble the previous day.

Tom Cruise along with Katie Holmes and son Connor waved as they arrived at Capitol Hill for the memorial concert in Washington DC

Family support: Tom Cruise and his son Connor arrived with Katie on Sunday to watch her perform at the concert

Hundreds of people crowded on the grass of D.C.'s Capitol Hill in front of the Capitol Building to watch the 20th Anniversary National Memorial Day Concert.

Also among the performers at the concert were Laurence Fishburne, Gary Sinise and American Idol singer Katharine McPhee.

Meanwhile, Katie and Tom was preparing to temporarily relocate to Australia for three months while the actress films her next movie.

The couple are currently looking for a home in Melbourne while Katie films horror film Don't Be Afraid Of The Dark, her first leading role since she married Tom in 2006.

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.'