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 sat
down
and expected the movie to start.
Here, you could have heard a pin drop. Every Soldier stood at
attention.
Suddenly there was a lone voice, then a dozen, and quickly the room was
filled with the voices of a thousand Soldiers.
'And the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof
through
the night that our flag was still there. O 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.
Written by Chaplain Jim Higgins on 5/14/07.
LSA Anaconda is at the Balad Airport in Iraq, north of Baghdad'
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...