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Subject: Inspirational

 Whew....this gave me goose bumps. We have to hear things like this and look
 beyond the many things bothering us these days.  Enjoy,
 
 THE MUSIC STOPPED
 For those who are unaware:  At all military base theaters, the National
 Anthem is played before the movie begins.
 
 This is written 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 at all military bases, we stood to
 attention when the National Anthem began before the main feature.  All was
 going well until 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 yell for the movie to begin.  Of
 course, that is, if they had stood for the National Anthem in the first
 place.
 
 Here in Iraq , 1,000 Soldiers continued to stand at attention, eyes fixed
 forward.  The music started again and the Soldiers continued to quietly
 stand at attention.  But again, at the same point, the music stopped.  What
 would you expect 1000 Soldiers standing at attention to do ??  Frankly, I
 expected some laughter, and everyone would eventually sit down and wait for
 the movie to start.
  But No!!... You could have heard a pin drop, while every Soldier continued
 to stand at attention.  Suddenly, there was a lone voice from the front of
 the auditorium, then a dozen voices, and soon 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
 Banneryet wave, o'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave."
 
 It was the most inspiring moment I have had in Iraq and I wanted you to know
 what kind of Soldiers are serving you.  Remember them as they fight for us!

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