Our National Anthem in Iraq

[redtanker]

Our National Anthem in Iraq


For those of us who are unaware, at a military theater, the National Anthem 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 com ments; and everyone would sit down

and call for a movie. Of course, that is, if they had stood for the Nation al Anthem in the first place.


Here, the 1,000 Soldi ers 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 music 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 abroad.. 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.

[sabadgeman]

I hate to say but here in the UK the national anthem is decried all the time I don't know at the MOD bases but when it is played people rarely stand to attention!

[redtanker]

Some people in the US stand and cover thier hearts, others just contiune whatever they were doing with no reguard for the anthem

[redtanker]

bump.....cause I want more people to read this

[redtanker]

bump.....cause I want more people to read this

[redtanker]

Sorry i keep bumpping this one but i like it

[pincer]

__redtanker,
No apologies necessary. Great story. Gave me chills.
When I was a young punk, my friends and I just automatically came to attention when the national anthem played.

Lots of years later now, when weather permits my country's flag is hoisted up the yardarm with honors. I get chills. Still come to attention, will forever. Just an older punk who gets choked up with a dewy nose.

__sabadgeman,
It is hard to take disrespect when that occurs. It is not unique to the UK nor the US.
I have a picture of the Union Jack tethered to a radio arial and a long line of infantry in the Falklands (on to Stanley, perhaps). I always admire that pluck. I like the, "here we come" confidence.

It is the very least, and most civil thing I can do to render respect at the appropriate time and in the most modest manner possible.

Regards,

Dorian