Christmas Military Poem. Honor and Courage.

[AirBorn]

" '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 in.

I looked all about, a strange sight I did see, No Tinsel, No Presents, Not even a tree.

No Stcoking by mantle, just boots filled with sand, on the wall hung pictures, of far distand lands.

With Medals, and Badges, Awards of all kinds, a sobering thought just popped to my mind.

For this house was different, It was dark and dreay, I found the home of a Soldier, once I could see clearly.

The Soldier lay sleeping, Silent, alone, curled up on the floor In this one bedroom home.

The Face was so gentle, the room in such disorder, not how I pictured a United States Soldier.

Was this the Hero, of whom I'd just read? Curled up on a puncho, the floor for a bed?

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

Soon round the world, the children would play, and grown-ups would celebrate a bright Christmas day.

They all enjoyed Freedom, each month of the year, Because of the 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 tears to my eyes, I dropped to my knees, and I started to cry.

The Soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice, " Santa don't cry This life is my Choice:

I Fight on 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 continued to weep.

I kept watch for hours, so silent and still, and we both shivered from the cold night's chill.

I didn't want to leave, on that cold, dark night- tha Gaurdian of Honor, so willing to fight.

The the Soldier rolled over, with a voice soft and pure, whispered," Carry on Santa, It's Christmas Day, All is Secure."

One look at my watch, and I knew he was right, " Merry Christmas My friend, and to all a Good Night."

a poem by a Marine, while in Okinawa, Japan.

enough said.

Darth AirBorne

[Edgerunner]

This touched me...

[AirBorn]

Thanks. At least the ONE thing I know I can do is to at least keep the memory of the sacrifices made by these brave Men and Women alive.

Chris

[Edgerunner]

Amen...I know most who will view this will be speechless...

[eyespysomething]

Thanks. I've read it before, but its always good.

[eyespysomething]

[Quilla]

Great poem, thank you.

I've been passing a recently erected billboard on my way to work lately. It's an ad for the Navy and reads - Life, liberty, and pursuit of all who threaten it. It brings me to tears. God bless our troops.

[AirBorn]

Thanks,

I guess that is what seperates us from the terrorists and those who wish to do others harm.

WE remember and Honor those who dedicate their lives for a Positive, creative goal; not distructive, power hungry, dictatorial one.

This poem hits me more because no-one from this current generation will ever know the hardships , scarifices, and service back in World War Two, Korea, and Vietnam were nothing like they are today.

It's in reading on the Nobility reflected in this poem
that touches my heart too. As also when I read the War Memorial Threads posted here in the forums too. Heart-reaching and professionally done, with care and kindness.

Chris

[Quilla]

This poem hits me more because no-one from this current generation will ever know the hardships , scarifices, and service back in World War Two, Korea, and Vietnam were nothing like they are today.

My father and two of his brothers fought in WWII. After my father death six years ago, I came across his identification billfold that he carried as a member of the Army Air Corps. Along with his ID card and a collection of money from different countries (taped together and signed by friends), I found a letter from a chaplain notifying my dad of the death of one of his brothers.

Of course I knew that he had lost both brothers in the war, but I never knew the details. The chaplain's letter described the circumstances surrounding my uncle's downed aircraft and the three bodies found in the wreckage. It was heartwrenching and even more so knowing that my father had kept it all these years.

To this day, I have never met a more honorable man. I understand perfectly where the phrase "greatest generation" originated.