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Hi everyone -
I just got this e-mail from my brother (who is retired Air Force) which he found in his military newspaper, and I had to pass it on to as many people as I could. It left me teary-eyed and with goosebumps - it's a mental image and thought that will stay in my mind for a long time. This is not meant to be a political statement, nor do I want to start a political discussion, it's just something I thought was a beautiful moment. Whether you agree with the war or not, this is a reminder of the special men & women who deserve our support.


Subject: When the music stopped

For those who are unaware, at a military theater, the
National Anthem is played before every movie.

This from a US Military 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
comments; and everyone would sit down and call for a
movie. Of course, that is, if they had stood for the
National Anthem in the first place. Here, the 1,000
Soldiers 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