From the Chaplain

[Emery]

> Subject: From a Chaplin from 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 sat down
> and expected the movie to start. Here, you could have heard a pin
> drop. Every Soldier
> stood at attention. Suddenly there was a lone voice, then a dozen, and
> quickly the room was filled with the voices of a thousand Soldiers.
>
> 'And the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
> gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. O 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.
>
> Written by Chaplain Jim Higgins on 5/14/07.
> LSA Anaconda is at the Balad Airport in Iraq, north of
> Baghdad'
>
> 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...