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Twas The Night Before Christmas

Alex SvensonAlex Svenson BlogAdministrator, Everyone, ForumsAdministrator, Moderator, Owners, Registered Users Posts: 1,204
I have made a bit of a tradition out of posting this version every year, wanted to keep it alive. To all you BOTL serving us over seas, God Bless and thank you!!

'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 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.

Written by James M. Schmidt in 1987

Comments

  • denniskingdennisking Everyone, Registered Users Posts: 3,681
    Thanks for the reminder! I remember this from last year as well. Our hats off to all that serve.
  • xmacroxmacro Everyone, Registered Users Posts: 3,402
    To all that have served, and all that do - we can never thank you enough for your sacrifices for our country and our freedom. So for what little it's worth - THANK YOU!!!
  • xIcedGuardianxxIcedGuardianx Everyone, Registered Users Posts: 873
    This is great.. My first time reading this and it's really touching. Thank you to all that are serving and have served in the past!
  • ShotgunJohnShotgunJohn Everyone, Registered Users Posts: 1,539
    A great reminder for all who have served and continue to serve, and their families.
    Their sacrifice helps us enjoy our liberty and freedom everyday. God bless them all for all they do.
  • Joeyjoe21_8Joeyjoe21_8 Everyone, Registered Users Posts: 2,048
    freaking awesome....to those army, marines, air force, and navy and all us military, we say thankyou for protecting us on christmas day with our families when you could not be home. Thankyou.
  • StangRunner3StangRunner3 Everyone, Registered Users Posts: 47
    First time I've read that version; amazing. To all who served and are currently serving for our country, thank you. Without you we couldn't live the lives we live today.
  • ENFIDLENFIDL Everyone, Registered Users Posts: 5,836
    Alex thank you so much for posting this up! I remember reading this in Iraq after coming back from a night patrol that ended Christmas morning. If crying wouldn't have made me look like a nancy it would have brought a tear to my eye...lol It took a lot for me not to cry.

    Today as well all sit down to dinner with our families let us not forget those fighting for us. Set a place with a plate and utensils and leave it empty for the warriors overseas and for the ones who made the ultimate sacrifice and gave their lives in defense of this country for that is their seat.
  • gripnripgripnrip Everyone, Registered Users Posts: 406
    Beautiful-thank you for sharing. Thank you also to all the service men and women for the "all secure".
  • JCizzleJCizzle Everyone, Registered Users Posts: 1,910
    We salute you.
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