From a Chaplain who had served in Iraq

[xoxoxoBruce]

Originally Posted by DanaC

Why would soldiers in a desert, many miles from home, with their own internal culture and traditions, respond in the same way to an anthem, which for most us has little currency beyond its use in sports and national events?

Because that is their culture. It's basically an insular feeling of camaraderie and superiority, especially when many miles from home.

[DanaC]

Originally Posted by xoxoxoBruce

Because that is their culture. It's basically an insular feeling of camaraderie and superiority, especially when many miles from home.

Exactly, so there's no reason to assume they'll react like one of us when we hear the national anthem. It means something different in that context, and to that internal culture.

[classicman]

Originally Posted by xoxoxoBruce

Because that is their culture. It's basically an insular feeling of camaraderie and superiority, especially when many miles from home.

Superiority has nothing to do with it.

[xoxoxoBruce]

Originally Posted by classicman

Superiority has nothing to do with it.

It's part of the culture.

[classicman]

Originally Posted by xoxoxoBruce

It's part of the culture.

Teamwork and the notion that the the sum is greater than the parts which it consists of - Each knowing they are expendable and willing to sacrifice themselves for the greater good as many have already done... oh nevermind.