A Soldiers Christmas

[Poundz9oh9]

Hey guys, I usually get this in my email about 10 times a year around this time and it always gets to me. Just thought I'd share.

 

 

T’was 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,

 

 

I looked all about, a strange site did I see,

 

No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree,

 

No stockings by the mantle, Just boots filled with sand,

 

On the wall hung pictures of far distance lands.

 

 

With Medals and badges, Awards of all kinds,

 

A sober thought came through my mind.

 

For this house was different, it was dark and dreary,

 

I had found the home of a soldier once I could see clearly

 

I heard stories about them, I had to see more

 

So I walked down the hall and pushed open the door.

 

 

The solider lay sleeping, silent, alone,

 

Curled up in this, His one bedroom home.

 

The face was so gentle,, the room in such disorder

 

Not how I pictured a United States Solider.

 

 

Was this the War Hero of whom I’d just read?

 

Curled up on a poncho, the floor for a bed?

 

His head was clean shaven, his weathered face tan,

 

I soon understood this was more than a man.

 

I realized the families that I saw this night

 

Owed they’re lives to these soldiers who were willing to fight.

 

 

Soon round the world the children would play

 

And grownups celebrate a bright Christmas day.

 

They enjoyed 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 a cold Christmas Eve, in a land far from home.

 

The very thought brought a tear to my eye

 

Dropped to my knees and started to cry.

 

 

The Soldier awakened and I hear a rough voice,

 

“Santa don’t cry, this is my life my choice:

 

I fight for freedom, I don’t ask for more

 

My life is my god, my country my Corps.â€

 

 

The Solider rolled over and soon drifted to sleep

 

I couldn’t control it I started to weep.

 

I kept watch for hours. So silent and still

 

And we both shivered from the cold nights chill.

 

 

I took off my jacket, the one made of red,

 

And I covered this Soldier from his toes to his head.

 

And I put on his T-shirt of gray and black,

 

With an eagle and an Army patch embroidered on back.

 

 

And although it barely fit me, I began to swell with pride,

 

And for a shining moment, I was United States Army deep inside.

 

I didn’t want to leave on that cold dark night,

 

This guardian of honor, so willing to fight.

 

Then the Solider rolled over with a voice soft and pure,

 

Whispered, "Carry on Santa, Christmas Day is Secure"

 

 

One look at my watch and I knew he was right

 

Merry Christmas my friend and to all a good night.

[Vintage-TechZ]

Thanks for sharing that Marcus...........

 

Merry Christmas guys, I wish Peace for ALL of you and pray we ALL might recieve a safe and happy New Year !

 

..............Vinny 8)

[crazy280]

That's a wonderful piece. It's very touching, and true. I feel bad for the guys who are stuck out in the damn desert for the holidays, that really sucks. It makes you appreciate their sacrifice. So I say: Merry Christmas! And Happy Holidays!

[Gollum]

One of my friends recently got back from marines... During boot camp he caught pneumonia but they kept him in a normal schedule. He soon developed a bad case of viral pneumonia and his lungs are now permanently damaged. The military paid for all the medical and now they're giving him full benefits for life... Not too shabby for just boot camp.

 

When I saw him for the first time since he got back he weighed only 110 pound, and he said he was just dissapointed they won't let him go back in.

 

Truly a different breed of a man.

 

I hope everyone has a great christmas! Dispite what people/media say, this is still a great country, if you just look for it. I hope everyone's holidy wishes come true