A SOLDIER'S PERSPECTIVE
THE WEB'S LEADING MILITARY BLOG SINCE 2004
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 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 north of Baghdad
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here is a address one wanted me to send gifts to hAddress : 41 Agbowo
CavMom
Thank you White Rose for sharing that heart warming story. (although I honestly expected nothing less)
Our guys make me proud, time after time, after time.
Now excuse me while I grab a tissue to dry my eyes.
Hugs from Texas,
CavMom
Donna
That is so wonderful! Our troops are the best in the world!!
Eric-Odessit
This story should put to rest the myth that those soldiers joined the Military just for college money.
Thank you.
Eric.
Patrick Waugh
Thanks for sharing this gem of a moment. It was moments like those that made my service memorable as well. Would have volunteered in a second to come help if they would have let me. =)
P.T. Waugh MA
Former 11B/96B
XVIII Abn Corps G2 Ops
steve eads
thanks white rose. so many have not a clue about what it means to be americans. i have family over there so it means more because i know he is doing his job unlike (i’m sorry to say) many over here. take care guys and come home alive.
steve
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Laurel Anderson
It makes me proud and happy to be an American. Many people in the U.S.A. want our troops to come home NOW !!! If we set a deadline, it will only play into the terrorist and insurgent hands. They will just wait until after the deadline to wreak havoc on the World. Do these people really believe pulling out of the Iraq and Afganistan Wars will bring peace to our Nation ?? Thank you so much for this letter. I know our BEST are fighting for their country and their country’s FREEDOM. Thanks to our Military Personnel putting their lives on the line every day. Come home safe.
Lynne Mitchell
You have made this DAR grandmother so, so proud. You can believe I am passing this one to all I know. Thanks for sending.
fred
GOD BLESS EACH AND EVERY ONE OF OUR BRAVE SOLDIERS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR EFFORTS TO KEEP US ALL FREE AND SAFE.
fred
thank you and GOD BLESS YOU
Corey Strom
Thank you for this story. ALL OF YOU IN ACTION ARE IN MY PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS — DAILY –. GOD BLESS OUR BRAVE SOLDIERS, KEEP THEM SAFE UNTIL THE MISSION IS FINISHED AND HAVE RETURNED HOME TO THEIR LOVED ONES.
Gary
Thanks for proving my daily prayers for the troops are worth it.
May GOD watch over these fine young people.