Subject:
Inspirational
Whew....this gave me goose bumps. We have to hear things like this and
look
beyond the many things bothering us these days. Enjoy,
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
Banneryet 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!
