When The Music Stopped...............semper fi

semper fi         When 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 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.    Please share only if you are so inclined.  God Bless America and all of our troops serving through out  the world.