The National Anthem

[Warph]

The National Anthem is played before every movie shown at a military theater.

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
Balad Airport in Iraq , north of Baghdad

[flo]

Warph, thank you for posting this. I literally had goosebumps as I read this.  AND THANK YOU MILITARY for your part in our being able to state our opinions, openly, on this forum and elsewhere without fear of being shot or imprisoned for it.  GOD BLESS THE USA

[Warph]

AMEN, Flo..... AMEN!

[srkruzich]

I have two sons in marine corp and one in army.  One is medically discharged the other two are serving.  My oldest reupped for second round and is in special ops operating behind enemy lines. 

Yes they are awesome!  They are respectful, they love their country, their flag, and their freedom they are willing to die for if need be. 

Wish we had a nation of men and women like them.  IF we did, we wouldn't have the problems we have.

[flo]

You have every right to be so proud of your sons, as am I.  God blessed me with only daughters, but they were taught to love and respect their country, their flag, and their freedoms.  When you talk to your sons, please give them a "howdy" from me and tell them how much I appreciate their sacrifices for the rest of us at home.

[sixdogsmom]

And a big AMEN to that! Me too!! 

[Diane Amberg]

From here also.