[Propertalk] Fw: When the Music Stopped

[Joe Parrish]

Forwarded:

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Dick Donovan" <dick at sermonwriter.com>
To: "Joseph R. Parrish, Jr." <JoeParrish at compuserve.com>
Subject: When the Music Stopped



Dear Joe,

As you might be aware, I am a retired Army chaplain.  A friend sent me this 
story about American soldiers in Iraq, which I decided to share with you.

Regardless of your stance on that war, pro or con, I hope that you 
appreciate the young men and women who are serving in our military services.

Dick Donovan


WHEN THE MUSIC STOPPED

To understand this story, you need to know that, in military theaters, the 
National Anthem is played before every movie.

This was written by Chaplain Jim Higgins, who is stationed in Iraq:

I recently attended a showing of "Superman 3" here at LSA Anaconda (an 
American base camp north of Baghdad). 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 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 left off:

     "And the rockets red glare,
     the bombs bursting in air,
     gave proof through the night
     that our flag was still there.
     Oh, 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. 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.