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sgtdmski
12-24-2009, 05:06 AM
Well it Christmas Eve yet once again, and every year, which Discussion Board I am active on I post the following, so if u have seen it before I apologize, but it is a tradition I carry on so please bear with me!!!!

A SOLDIER'S CHRISTMAS



'Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,
in a one bedroom house made of plaster and stone.


I had come down the chimney with presents to give,
and to see just who in this little house lived.


As I looked all about, a strange sight I did see,
No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.


No Stockings by mantle, just boots filled with sand,
On the wall hung pictures of far distant lands.


With medals and badges, awards of all kinds,
A sobering thought came through my mind.


For this house was different, it was dark and dreary,
The home of a soldier, I could now see clearly.


The soldier lay sleeping, silent, alone,
Curled up on the floor in this one bedroom home.


The face was so gentle, the room in such disorder,
Not how I picture a United States Soldier.


Was this the hero of whom I'd just read?
Curled up on a poncho, the floor for a bed?


I realized the families that I saw this night,
owed their lives to these soldiers who were willing to fight.


Soon round the world, the children would play,
and grownups would celebrate a bright Christmas day.


They all enjoyed freedom each month of the year,
because of the soldiers, like the one lying here.


I couldn't help wondering how many lay alone,
on a cold Christmas Eve in a land far from home.


The very thought brought a tear to my eye,
I dropped to one knee and started to cry.


The soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice,
"Santa don't cry, for this life is my choice".


I fight for freedom, I don't ask for more,
My life is my God, my country, my corps."


The soldier rolled over and drifted to sleep,
I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.


I kept watch for hours, so silent and still,
as we both shivered from the cold night's chill.


I didn't want to leave, on that cold, dark night,
this guardian of honor, so willing to fight.


Then the soldier rolled over, with a voice soft and pure,
whispered, "Carry on Santa...., It's Christmas Day...., All is secure.


One look at my watch, and I knew he was right,
Merry Christmas my friend.... and to all a Good Night.

~ Author Unknown *~


God Bless!!!!! And think of all the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guard that will celebrate their Christmas, by doing their jobs where ever they may be!!!!!!!!!!

dmk

sgtdmski
12-24-2009, 05:14 AM
If you want more information about this poem or its true version, check out this site:

Snopes (http://www.snopes.com/holidays/christmas/soldier.asp)

namvet
12-24-2009, 05:46 PM
5_P6yU_ymFM

Kathianne
12-24-2009, 06:43 PM
5_P6yU_ymFM

I can't rep you, but that was awesome!

Jeff
12-24-2009, 07:16 PM
I can't rep you, but that was awesome!

I got it Kat

And yes it was NamVet

namvet
12-24-2009, 07:24 PM
glad you enjoyed it. I got it in an email from a former shipmate i served with.

sgtdmski
12-25-2009, 04:57 AM
I like to thank everyone for the great comments and the posting of additional material. I spent 11 years in the Army, most of them away from home and family. Even now I find myself again away from everyone that I care for and love. Sometimes I wonder if I will ever settle down, or has the Army bug so infected me that I will never be happy unless I am moving from place to place.

Merry Christmas everyone!!!!! God Bless you in the New Year!!!

dmk

namvet
12-25-2009, 09:05 AM
I like to thank everyone for the great comments and the posting of additional material. I spent 11 years in the Army, most of them away from home and family. Even now I find myself again away from everyone that I care for and love. Sometimes I wonder if I will ever settle down, or has the Army bug so infected me that I will never be happy unless I am moving from place to place.

Merry Christmas everyone!!!!! God Bless you in the New Year!!!

dmk

I can't say the same. after 4 years of riding those big steel boats I had trouble sitting in a rocking chair for a looong time :laugh2:

Merry Christmas !!!!