A Soldier's Night Before Christmas.

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fordm60

Part of the Furniture Now
Dec 19, 2014
598
5
In a fighting position long ago in a land so far from home, I could never get home if it all turned to shit, it hit me that if stop a round tonight, no one will really care. My brothers in arms, family, a few friends that would be all. The rest of the world couldn't care less. They stay at home all safe and sound, as long as they or their children do not have to fight they are contented and pleased with life. That was my ephiny of my real contribution to this world. While I learned about much of the human darkside and things I would like to forget, I give millions the chance to never have to know what I know or do what I do. If I do my duty then innocence and love is protected back home. It allowed me to drive on. Funny things float in your mind in the dark far from home. So please take a moment and thank your soldiers both old and new for they stand the line so you don't have to.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Thank you my brothers both old and young and especially those who gave everything!!
A Soldier's Night Before Christmas
'Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone.

In a no bedroom house made of plaster and stone.
I had come down the chimney with presents to give,

And to see just who, in this small house did live.
I looked all about, a sad sight did I see,

No tinsel, no presents; not even a tree.
By the mantle, no stockings; by the door, boots on sand.

On the wall hung some pictures of a far distant land.
Seeing medals and badges, awards of all kind,

No thoughts of Christmas would stay in my mind.
For this house was different, it was dark; it was dreary,

I'd found the house of a soldier, once I could see clearly.
The soldier lay sleeping, silent, alone,

Curled up on the floor in this no bedroom home.
The face was gentle, the room in disorder;

Not how I'd pictured a United States soldier.
Was this the hero of whom I had read?

Curled up on a poncho, just the floor for his bed?
I knew most the families I'd see on this night,

Owed their lives to these soldiers, who were willing to fight.
Soon, round the world, the children would play,

And grownups enjoy a bright Christmas day.
They all had their freedom each month of the year,

Because of these soldiers, like the one lying here.
I couldn't help wonder how many lay alone,

On this cold Christmas Eve, in a land far from home.
The thought of their service brought a tear to my eye,

I dropped to my knee and started to cry.
The soldier awakened, and 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."
The soldier rolled over and drifted to sleep.

I couldn't control it, I started to weep.
I kept watch for hours, silent and still,

And both of us shivered from that cold night's chill.
I hated to leave, on that long, dark night,

This Guardian of Peace, with his Honor so bright.
The soldier rolled over, and his voice soft and pure,

Whispered, "Carry on, Santa, all is secure."
I looked at this soldier, on this cold Christmas night.

I thought of his comrades, and knew he was right.
The world is freer, for they're willing to fight,

For Freedom and Christmas, and all that is right.
So to all you, my friends, to U.S. soldiers in all lands,

Know that you are remembered, by family and friends.
For this one special night, may you rest without fight,

With a Merry Christmas to all, and to all a Good Night!
Remember our Men and Women who won't be by our sides this Holiday Season.

But they will always be in our hearts and minds.

 

ssjones

Moderator
Staff member
May 11, 2011
18,408
11,297
Maryland
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Yep, we owe our soldiers a lot. We had dinner this evening, with a friend of my daughters. He just returned from deployment in Europe and was looking forward to a few weeks of downtime, well earned. When my father was on active duty, we had Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner at the mess hall every year, he felt that he presence was owed to the soldiers without families. We have some service men here, so stay safe!

 
Jan 4, 2015
1,858
11
Massachusetts
A wonderful tribute to those who sacrifice so much and ask so little in return. Let's keep them in our prayers and our hearts this Christmas. And let's say a special prayer that those that wait for their return enjoy a day of peace this Christmas.

 

fordm60

Part of the Furniture Now
Dec 19, 2014
598
5
Thank you (blush). My vet group adopts one old Vet in the old Vet home for Christmas each year. Another idea that others could look into. Makes their day when we show up.....seems most have no family or they are just not around. Breaks an old soldiers heart a little going there. Anyway enough on that!

 

royodhner

Lurker
Dec 28, 2015
34
2
I was a Navy crypto weenie for 21 years. Luckily, I never had to spend a Christmas in the sand or muck. But I did stand watch by an R390 receiver bay and an old KSR teletype machine for many years. (Ask me no secrets and I'll tell you no lies, eh). I stood Christmas watches in Korea, Japan, the Philippines, and the Persian Gulf. Luckily, with the exception of the USS Lasalle (AGF-3), none of the ships I was stationed on were ever deployed during Christmas.
As a correctional professional (post navy career),I spent many a Christmas working one unit or another. Last year, as a psych tech at the Tarrant County Jail, I had to work Christmas. When you think about those who stand the watch on Christmas, don't forget those who do as much to keep your community safe as those who keep your nation safe. I'm talking EMT's, emergency room staff, law enforcement officers, fire fighters, correctional officers, and community supervision officers. This also incudes the crisis intervention specialists who ride along with police officers, work correctional units, or who are busy helping the survivors of man-made or natural disasters.

 
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