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For those who are unaware, at a military theater, the
National Anthem is played before
every movie.
From a Chaplain in Iraq:
I recently attended a showing of 'Superman 3,' here at
LSA Anaconda. We have a large auditorium we use for
movies, as well as memorial services and other large
gatherings.
As is the custom back in the States, we stood and
snapped to attention when the National Anthem began
before the main feature.
All was going as planned until about three-quarters of
the way through The National Anthem the music stopped.
Now, what would happen if this occurred with 1,000 18-22
year-olds back in the States? I imagine there would be
hoots, catcalls, laughter, a few rude comments; and
everyone would sit down and call for a movie. Of course,
that is, if they had stood for the National Anthem in
the first place. Here, the 1,000 Soldiers continued to
stand at attention, eyes fixed forward. The music
started again. The Soldiers continued to quietly stand
at attention. And again, at the same point, the music
stopped. What would you expect to happen?
Even here I would imagine laughter, as everyone finally
sat down and expected the movie to start. But here, you
could have heard a pin drop. Every Soldier continued to
stand at attention. Suddenly there was a lone voice,
then a dozen, and quickly the room was filled with the
voices of a thousand soldiers, finishing where the
recording left off:' And the rockets red glare, The
bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night That
our flag was still there. Oh, say does that
star-spangled banner yet wave, O'er the land of the
free, And the home of
the brave.'
It was the most inspiring moment I have had here in
Iraq.
I wanted you to know what kind of Soldiers are serving
you here.
Remember them as they fight for you!
Pass this along as a reminder to others to be ever in
prayer for all our soldiers serving us here at home and
abroad. For many have already paid the ultimate price.
Written by Chaplain Jim Higgins
LSA Anaconda is at the Ballad Airport in Iraq, north of
Bagdad
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