It will soon be the Night before Christmas -

It will soon be the Night before Christmas - - -

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Updated 10 years ago

From my SpeakEasy Blog

The Night Before Christmas, a Veteran's Perspective
12/21/2009

"This poem was written by a Marine stationed in
Okinawa Japan. The following is his request.
I think it is reasonable... PLEASE. Would you do
me the kind favor of sending this to as many
people as you can? REMINDING them to PRAY for
our TROOPS... OUR NATION & IT'S LEADERS!!!
Christmas will be coming soon and some credit
is due to our U.S. service men and women
for our being able to celebrate these festivities.
Let's try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of
what we owe. Make people stop and think of our
heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves
for us, BEGIN TO BE THANKFUL NOW...don't wait until
THANKSGIVING TO COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS OF FREEDOM!
Please, do your small part to plant this "small seed"
________________________________________

“Merry Christmas, My Friend” by LCpl James M Schmidt, USMC, 1986

Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,
In a one bedroom house made of plaster & stone.

I had come down the chimney, with presents to give
and to see just who in this home did live

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

No stocking by the fire, just boots filled with sand.
On the wall hung pictures of a far distant land.

With medals and badges, awards of all kind,
a sobering thought soon came to my mind.

For this house was different, unlike any I'd seen.
This was the home of a U.S. Marine.

I'd heard stories about them, I had to see more,
so I walked down the hall and pushed open the door.

And there he lay sleeping, silent, alone,
Curled up on the floor in his one-bedroom home.

He seemed so gentle, his face so serene,
Not how I pictured a U.S. Marine.

Was this the hero, of whom I’d just read?
Curled up in his poncho, a floor for his bed?

His head was clean-shaven, his weathered face tan.
I soon understood, this was more than a man.

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

Soon around the Nation, the children would play,
And grown-ups would celebrate on a bright Christmas day.

They all enjoyed freedom, each month and all year,
because of Marines like this one lying here.

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

Just the very thought brought a tear to my eye.
I dropped to my knees and I started to cry.

He must have awoken, for I heard a rough voice,
"Santa, don't cry, this life is my choice

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

With that he rolled over, drifted off into sleep,
I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.

I watched him for hours, so silent and still.
I noticed he shivered from the cold night's chill.

So I took off my jacket, the one made of red,
and covered this Marine from his toes to his head.

Then I put on his T-shirt of scarlet and gold,
with an eagle, globe and anchor emblazoned so bold.

And although it barely fit me, I began to swell with pride,
and for one shining moment, I was Marine Corps deep inside.

I didn't want to leave him so quiet in the night,
this guardian of honor so willing to fight.

But half asleep he rolled over, and in a voice clean and pure,
said "Carry on, Santa, it's Christmas Day, all secure."

One look at my watch and I knew he was right,
Merry Christmas my friend, Semper Fi and goodnight.

________________________________________

PLEASE. Would you do me the kind favor of sending this
to as may people as you can? Christmas will be coming soon
and we should all be aware of where credit for our being able
to celebrate these festivities is due.

Let's try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe.
Make people stop and think of our heroes, living and dead,
who sacrificed themselves for us.

Please, do your small part to plant this small seed.

________________________________________

We wish you a very Merry Christmas this year - - - and don't forget to thank a veteran for securing your freedom!

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