Our National Anthem in Iraq

For those of you who are unaware, at a military theater, the National Anthem
is played before every movie.
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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?"
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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 on 5/14/07 LSA Anaconda is at the Balad
Airport in Iraq, north of Baghdad.

GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS !!