Inspiring! "When the Music Stopped"

[GrayBeard]

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


 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!
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 .

[kp91]

A reminder of why we are so proud of them!  Thanks for sharing

[Russ C]

God bless our military men and women, keep them safe and return them all home with not even a scratch.  

[Marcellarius]

Respect for all of them.
no matter if they are USA, British, New Zealand, Dutch, German  or any other nation.( we have quit a lot of country's on this forum)
they keep us safe each in our country!

again respect!

[julief]

I grew up on military bases.   You stood before the movie and stood by your car at taps.  I still get a lump in my throat when I hear the anthem.  Stories like this reinforce my faith in young people and the value system the military instills in them.  God bless American and God bless our troops and God bless the allied soldiers that serve along side us.

[GrayBeard]

I'm always glad when I go to the Rascals games on a very hot day or night. That gives me an excuse to wipe my face with my towel or hanky after the National Anthem!

~~~GrayBeard~~~