Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) got close to tears during his confirmation hearing for secretary of state on Thursday, when he brought up his late father's service.

Richard Kerry, who died in 2000, was as a Foreign Service officer.

Photo credit: AP | Senator John Kerry testifies to the Committee on Foreign Relations during confirmation hearings for his appointment as Secretary of State. (Jan. 23, 2013)

"If you confirm me, I would take office as secretary, proud that the Senate is in my blood, but equally proud ... that so to is the Foreign Service," Kerry said, his voice wavering.

"My father's work under presidents both Democrat and Republican took me and my siblings around the world for a personal journey that brought home the sacrifices and the commitment the men and women of the Foreign Service make every day on behalf of America," he continued.

Kerry is expected to win easy confirmation.

In another unexpected moment, a 

protester interrupted the hearing,