Pure Motivation and Dedication

[bgstew6]

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 th e 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 servicemen 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 s at dow n and
expected the movie to start.

Here, you could have heard a pin drop. Everyone stood at attention. Suddenly there was a lone
voice, then a dozen, and quickly the room was filled with the voices of a thousand '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 w hat ki nd of men and women 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."

[kromdom]

good one...thanks for sharing Stew!

['02HD#3982]

[Snake]

Ooh rah!

--Snake

[r0adk1ng]

[marioec]