Eye-Rack Story
Actually, after I first posted this, I looked up LSA Anacosta on a global security site and found the following:
For entertainment, LSA Anaconda has two swimming pools, which were built by Iraqis before the war. Also, a first-run 35-mm indoor movie theater shows three free movies a day. The theater is huge, and is one of the most hardened structures on the base, providing one of the best sanctuarys on base during mortar attacks.
Religious services are provided by military chaplains, and there are smaller events run by individual soldiers or units.
Show's you what I know.
Nevertheless it's a great story sent in by Rich Bosma
"I recently attended a showing of 'Superman 3' here at LSA Anaconda.
"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 something went wrong with the film clip and the music stopped.
"Now, what would happen if this occurred with 1,000 ordinary 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. But instead, you could have heard a pin drop. Every soldier stood at attention.
Then there was a lone voice, then a dozen, and quickly the room was filled with the voices of a thousand soldiers singing:
'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
8 Comments:
As a member of the US Military I find it incredibly irritating when people can't stand still for one song that means so much to the country they live in. When I see stories like this it gives me chills! Thanks!
Too bad there isn't a video of this. Reading it made me proud to have these young men and women in our Service. I also cried.
Lo these many years later, I can remember standing at attention for the National Anthem prior to a movie starting at Ft. Bragg, NC.
Wow... How to go from clear skies to wiping your eyes in 30 seconds or less... God Bless each and every one of those brave men and women. And thank you, Rich, for bringing their message home!
Needless to say, that brought a tear to my eye (maybe a couple) God Bless our Troops!
God Bless these brave young soldiers and grant them victory.
Yes Sir, it is a true story. I
first wrote this story on my blog www.letters-from-the-desert.blogspot.com I arrived at Balad last fall, and Lord willing, will leave in a few weeks. I came as the Chaplain for the 2-135th General Aviation Support Battalion, and have been the 36th Combat Aviation Brigade since November.
I also concur with the facilities being there and a great escape.
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