Good read

For those who are unaware, the National Anthem is played before
every movie in military theatres in the U.S. and abroad.

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 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 began 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 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 just
wanted you to know what kind of soldiers are serving you here. Remember
them as they fight for you!  Please pass this along as a reminder to
others to be ever in prayer for all our soldiers serving us here at home
and abroad.

Written by Chaplain Jim Higgins
LSA Anaconda is at the Balad Airport in Iraq, north of Baghdad.