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()++A Soldier's Silent Night/Merry Christmas, My Friend
()++A Soldier's Silent Night/Merry Christmas, My Friend The Original Poem, as printed in the December 1991 edition of "Leatherneck": '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 IâÂÂd seen. This was the home of a U.S. Marine. IâÂÂd 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 IâÂÂd 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 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 couldnâÂÂt 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, âÂÂSanta, donâÂÂt cry, this life is my choice I fight for freedom, I donâÂÂt ask for more. My life is my God, my country, my Corps.â With that he rolled over, drifted off into sleep, I couldnâÂÂt control it, I continued to weep. The Original Poem, I watched him for hours, so silent and still. I noticed he shivered from the cold nightâÂÂs 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 didnâÂÂt 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 âÂÂCarry on, Santa, itâÂÂs Christmas Day, all secure.â One look at my watch and I knew he was right, Merry Christmas my friend, Semper Fi and goodnight. Author: Marine Corporal James M. Schmidt The Original Poem, as printed in the December 1991 edition of "Leatherneck": '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 IâÂÂd seen. This was the home of a U.S. Marine. IâÂÂd 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 IâÂÂd 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 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 couldnâÂÂt 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, âÂÂSanta, donâÂÂt cry, this life is my choice I fight for freedom, I donâÂÂt ask for more. My life is my God, my country, my Corps.â With that he rolled over, drifted off into sleep, I couldnâÂÂt control it, I continued to weep. I watched him for hours, so silent and still. I noticed he shivered from the cold nightâÂÂs 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 didnâÂÂt 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 âÂÂCarry on, Santa, itâÂÂs Christmas Day, all secure.â One look at my watch and I knew he was right, Merry Christmas my friend, Semper Fi and goodnight. Author: Marine Corporal James M. Schmidt |
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Beautiful Thank you for sharing This week's HNW: Pink/Hearts (Or Chocolate) is available on the other side.
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Merry Christmas
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tks us army ret.
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I've always been touched by this poem. Thanks for posting. Opportunity may knock only once, but temptation bangs on the door forever!
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12/24/2021 7:25 am |
I salute all of or soldiers who r serving or have served! Merry Christmas to all..... Thanks for posting!
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Wishing you a very Merry Xmas.
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Always keep them in mind, they serve us so importantly
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A great poem my friend. Happy Christmas Eve.
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not just soldiers but also sailors and airmen.....no slight towards the jarheads but...just saying... woop woop
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This one always brings tears to my eyes. I hope you enjoy a Happy Christmas Eve, and may it be a wonderful start to a very Merry Christmas for you and your family..
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Merry Christmas to you Pal and your family hugs V Become a blog watcher sweet_vm
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Mr. pal334, Thanks for sharing the poem. I hope you and yours have a very MERRY CHRISTMAS. A retired sailor.
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Beautiful Thank you for sharing
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I've always been touched by this poem. Thanks for posting.
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Wishing you a very Merry Xmas.
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Always keep them in mind, they serve us so importantly
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A great poem my friend. Happy Christmas Eve.
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This one always brings tears to my eyes. I hope you enjoy a Happy Christmas Eve, and may it be a wonderful start to a very Merry Christmas for you and your family..
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Merry Christmas to you Pal and your family hugs V
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