Serve with integrity. Care about those you serve. Share the love in your heart & soul.

Sunday, November 22, 2009

#653 THE MUSIC STOPPED

I have been waiting for something to write about. The well is still dry, but, thanks to Erlys, this email came my way. It needs no comment nor embellishment from me.


For those who are unaware: At all military base theaters, the National Anthem is played before the movie begins.

This is written by 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 1,000 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


#653

5 comments:

Sandee said...

Beautiful Jack, simply beautiful. What an inspirational post. Thanks.

Have a terrific day. :)

Karen said...

Oh my, can just imagine the emotionally-charged atmosphere in that theater... goose bumps ensuing.

Lily said...

Good to read!
And good to know that some still exercise self control, self discipline and have a decent set of values! It's important to carry the mission through!

Wanda said...

Jack, this was just so inspiring and actually breathtaking.... I had such a picture in my imagination of this scene.
BTW thanks for stopping by. I read you often on Angela's blog, and always feel to encouragaged by your words of love and life to her. She is a very special gal in my life.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Wanda

Merle said...

Hello Jack ~~ This is a wonderful post
and so inspiring. Great that young soldiers have enough respect for the National Anthem to stand and wait.
Can imagine the kids at home in both our countries and how they would react.
Thanks for posting this,
I had a great time with Peter for 5 days which we both enjoyed.
BTW I do not drink at all, I am not against it, but do not like the taste.
Take care, Regards, Merle.