IT HAPPENED IN IRAQ

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 and the soldiers continued to quietly stand at attention. And again, at the same point, the music stopped. 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, 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 want you to know what kind of soldiers are serving you here. Remember them as they fight for you! Be always in prayer for all our soldiers serving us here at home and abroad, and for the many have already paid the ultimate price.

Written by Chaplain Jim Higgins

LSA Anaconda is at the Ballad Airport in Iraq, north of Baghdad.