I Just Wanted You To Know.

A Story by FaytheFey

An article from the Paraglide, by Chaplin Jim Higgins

“For those who are unaware, at a military theater, the National Anthem is played before every movie. I recently attended a showing of “Superman 3” here at Logistics Support Area Anaconda. We have a large auditorium we use for movies, as well as memorial services and other large gatherings. As is custom back in the States, we stood and snapped to attention when the anthem began to play 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 have happened if this occurred with 1,000 18 to 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 the movie. Of course, that is, if they 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 have happened? 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 had left off:

“And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,

Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there,

O says 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.”