For those who are not aware: 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!
~~
Dr Bob Griffin
[email protected] www.grif.net
“Jesus Knows Me, This I Love!”