The National Anthem, The Day The Music Stopped

(For those who are unaware: At all military base theaters, 

the National Anthem is played before the movie begins.)

This is written 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 at all military bases, we stood to attention when the National Anthem began before the main feature. All was going well until 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 yell for the movie to begin. 

Of course, that is, if they had stood for the 

National Anthem in the first place.

Here in Iraq , 1,000 Soldiers continued to stand at 

attention, eyes fixed forward. The music started again

and the Soldiers continued to quietly stand at attention. 

But again, at the same point, the music stopped. What 

would you expect 1000 Soldiers standing at attention 

to do ?? Frankly, I expected some laughter, and 

everyone would eventually sit down and wait for

the movie to start.

But No!!... You could have heard a pin drop, 

while every Soldier continued to stand at 

attention. Suddenly, there was a lone voice 

from the front of the auditorium, then a 

dozen voices, and soon 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 

in Iraq and I wanted you to know what kind of 

Soldiers are serving you. Remember them as 

they fight for us!

 

Pass this along as a reminder to others to be 

ever in prayer for all our soldiers serving us 

here at home and abroad. Many have already 

paid the ultimate price.

Written by Chaplain Jim Higgins LSA 

Anaconda is at the Ballad Airport in 

Iraq , north of Baghdad 

 

The original post was Allison's at

Gripes & Green Apples (hat tip)