For Pappy and Beale

[ERnurse]

Our National Anthem in Iraq:


For those who may be unaware, at a military theater, the NationalAnthem
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. The Soldiers continued to quietly
stand
at attention. And again, at the same point, the m usic 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 ab road.. 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 Bagdad.

[PAPPY]

THANKS...We have the BEST ! THAT IS FOR SURE !!!!

[Buster]

Even at the on base movie theaters..it is the same...Everyone stands and you can hear a pin drop...That's the military way... Never changed in the 20 years I was in and it never will.....I am Proud to say that....Buster....

[EBCIII]

Thanks a bunch Rob. I have not heard from my son since he deployed. That post really hit home. Very hard reading it without choking up a bit. Thanks again for posting it, Beale.