Yes it was! First time I've ever witnessed a crewed launch live I think!
Seeing a launch in-person is pretty much at the top of my bucket list!
It's pretty amazing to see (and feel!) a big rocket going up. I made it to one Shuttle launch, STS-58 in October '93. It took two tries to happen, the first I took my grandfather and some others to the Cape, the second (successful) launch it was just me and an uncle by marriage.
STS-58 - Wikipedia
I did some work on one of the science packages, got an invite to the launch from the principal investigator I'd worked with. Not VIP, but better viewing than the hoi palloi.
What I remember most is the rumble, the vibrations even miles away causing my chest to vibrate. Just an incredible amount of power from the SRBs and the main engines, like being next to Top Fuel dragsters when they run - but fantastically bigger. Being too close to a launch will literally kill you from the acoustic energy alone.
Saw an unmanned (Taurus) launch from Vandenberg. That was also neat, but a much smaller rocket and faster off the pad and out of sight, so not as impressive.
Given a time machine, witnessing a Saturn 5 night launch would have been a top-five event to go to. Right after I'd paid a visit to Lincoln and advised him to skip the theater that night...
