Joe Paterno just walked on the stage at Thon. Cameras are flashing incessantly. The crowd is going wild and chanting Joe Pa-terno!

"There are very few times in my life I'm speechless, but I am now," Paterno said. "I wish the whole world could see and feel what's in this room right now. Love and commitment and the dedication that just reeks from this room."

"In my 58 years at Penn State, I've never been more proud than right now," Paterno said.

Paterno shook hands with Thon families after his speech. The crowd is chanting a deafening "We Are!" "Penn State!"

DJ Larry Moore said it's been a couple years since Paterno has been at Thon.

--Rossilynne