From a Chaplain who served in Iraq
Yea, it's true!
Note: We were able to contact the chaplain, Jim Higgins (isn't the Web amazing), before putting this up on our site. He did verify the story circulating on the Web is true and was witnessed by him when serving in Iraq. He reported, however, that while the story on the Web speaks of the movie Superman 3, the movie was actually Spiderman 3. If you wish to write to the pastor, the address of his church in Georgia is below, as well as on his blog. |
Recently attended a showing of "Spiderman 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 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 Marines continued to stand at attention, eyes fixed forward. The music started again. The Marines 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 Marine 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 Marines, 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 Marines are serving you here.
Chaplain Jim Higgins, May 14, 2007
Iraq, North of Baghdad
____________________
Current address:
Dr. Jim Higgins
Senior Pastor
McEachern Memorial United Methodist Church (UMC)
4075 Macland Road
Powder Springs, GA 30127
Just Say Thank You! ______________________________________
- Independent note from your Webmaster -
A Comment About This Photo Taken During A 2007 Campaign Stop
We published this photo to our Web site several weeks ago, concerned what can happen when you're not raised as a child in America and then want to run for president later in life. Obama, shown in this photo, was originally born in Hawaii and raised in Indonesia, unlike other Americans who were raised here from birth. So is this important when running for office?
We believe it is, and here is a perfect example of why. In this photo, it's obvious Obama does not see the importance of honoring the playing of the National Anthem as do those who were raised here and went through 12 years of public schools, trained to do otherwise. It shows he is not in touch with the grassroots of America and how people feel about certain traditions that are as basic to them as eating a mother's homemade apple pie.
His words during the campaign are fine and his reaching out to everyday Americans is admirable. But for him to not understand why many Americans would not be upset with this photo says he really doesn't understand the passion that has been ingrained in tens-of-millions by their families and by those who have been their role models, serving the country in the military.
It is a serious flaw in character to not understand the very heart of the American people. - Webmaster
Which one of the candidates below do you think today's yuppie Americans will vote to represent them?
The above is a photo that was reported to be credited to an edition of 'Time." It shows several of the 2008 Democrat candidates at a Steak Fry by Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) on September 17, 2007, in Indianola, Iowa. The photo was said to be taken during the playing of our National Anthem, the same song as mentioned in the above story . . . read source
So what should Americans look for in the role model that is going to lead our military as president starting January 20th of 2009?
In the end, you have to decide. But here are some comments from the pastor, Jeremiah Wright, of the church Obama has attended for 20 years. The pastor's comments may explain the real reason Obama will not wear a flag pin on his jacket or put his hand over his heart during the playing of the national athem, as shown above. It may prove again you really are what you eat. (Please wait for national anthem to stop playing or use audio controls at the bottom of page before clicking on the above two links.) Now Obama said he didn't know, but a freelance reporter at a service says he did.
- Picture of Che flag hanging in Obama's office sends 'disturbing' message -
History of the Star Spangled Banner
Read how Snopes sees it, saying the others standing on the stage were wrong. But you decide from following photos.
Marion, left, 12, sings the national anthem of Honduras with other children at a Texas shelter. "I thought, 'How can a parent send a child on that long journey, not knowing what's going to happen?' " said one shelter official. " There is no hope, and the only way out of that environment is to come to America." (Washington Post / Linda Davidson) - Denver Post - October 2006 Laura Bush listens to the National Anthem with Bill and Elayne Bennett, left, and Secretary of Education Rod Paige, right, during a Best Friends for Our Children Event at Bertie Backus Middle School Nov. 7, 2001 in Washington, D.C. . . . White House Press Release - November 2001
