U.S. Soldiers in Iraq Sing the National Anthem in a Movie Theater

Truth or Fiction.com ^ | Chaplain Jim Higgins

[Oyarsa]

U.S. Soldiers in Iraq Sing the National Anthem in a Movie Theater-Truth!

For those who are unaware, at a military theater, the National Anthem is played before every movie. 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 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 d 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.

[pennyfarmer]

That is great.

I actually enjoy that part of watching a movie on a military base. That is all I have to say about that.

[hoe_cake]

American civilians are such spoiled and disrespectful people. It would do us good to serve our country the way these honorable men and women are doing.

We’d quit our bitchin’, that’s for sure.

When I watch a sports game I look for those players/coaches who have their hats off, their hands over their hearts when the National Anthem is playing.

[Jemian]

I was fortunate to attend two home games of Auburn University (I know, we didn't play well this year. It happens). Before each game, we had our eagle soar the field. Then, everyone stood and sang both God Bless America and The Star-Spangled Banner. It was inspiring.

[hoe_cake]

yeah, RIP Auburn. I saw that last football game.

My condolences. :`)

[Jemian]

Not meaning to hijack the thread, but I am expecting Tubby’s life on the Plain can be measured in days, if not hours.

[GreyFriar]

At least that hasn’t changed since I was in the Army in the 70s and 80s.

[TankerKC]

I actually enjoy that part of watching a movie on a military base.

Back in 1982, a buddy and I went into town (Blytheville AR) to see the movie “Poltergeist.” The movie begins with a scene as someone (Craig T. Neslon??) sleeps in front of the TV right at sign off time. The National Anthem comes on…and my buddy and I snap to attention. We got plenty of cat calls for that.