The FReeper Foxhole Wishes Everyone A Merry Christmas - Dec. 25th, 2002

December 7th, 2000 | Michael Marks

[SAMWolf]

U.S. Military History, Current Events and Veterans Issues

Where Duty, Honor and Country
are acknowledged, affirmed and commemorated.

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The FReeper Foxhole is dedicated to Veterans of our Nation's military forces and to others who are affected in their relationships with Veterans.

We hope to provide an ongoing source of information about issues and problems that are specific to Veterans and resources that are available to Veterans and their families.

In the FReeper Foxhole, Veterans or their family members should feel free to address their specific circumstances or whatever issues concern them in an atmosphere of peace, understanding, brotherhood and support.

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A Soldier's Christmas Request

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
my daughter beside me, angelic in rest.

Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree, I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.

My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep
in perfect contentment, or so it would seem.
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.



The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eye when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know,
Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.

My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
and I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.

A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.



"What are you doing?" I asked without fear
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"

For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts,
to the window that danced with a warm fire's light
then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night"

"Its my duty to stand at the front of the line,
that separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.



My Gramps died at 'Pearl on a day in December,"
then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.

I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red white and blue... an American flag.

"I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home,
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat,
I can carry the weight of killing another
or lay down my life with my sisters and brothers
who stand at the front against any and all,
to insure for all time that this flag will not fall."



"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son."

Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone.
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.

For when we come home, either standing or dead,
to know you remember we fought and we bled
is payment enough, and with that we will trust.
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us.



Merry Christmas

[Jen]

Hi there and Merry Christmas to you! I'm glad you visited the Foxhole today. If you'd like to be added to the daily ping list, just let me know.

[Jen]

"Seeze..Seiz..Sees...Carpe Diem!"

I hope you had a fantastic Christmas day! Thanks for your good wishes. Did Santa bring you a dictionary, by any chance? hehehehe

[Jen]

God bless you Phil, today and every day! Thanks so much for your daily posts. I haven't been around much the last few days to tell you how I look forward to your posts. I appreciate how you support the Foxhole and our Veterans. Merry Christmas!

[MistyCA]

Thanks for that post, Sam. Of course you know this, but it can't be said enough, we must never forget that for most soldiers in the field, there is someone at home worrying and waiting. Not just spouses, but mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers and children. They are all sacrificing for our freedom.

[Jen]

Thanks for the song, Victoria! Did you have a good Christmas with your parents?

[Jen]

You have NO snow? Is that normal for Minnesota in December?

[SAMWolf]

It knows better than to snow on Misty!

[Jen]

Misty - thank YOU for being a military spouse while your hubby was on active duty. What service was he in and when? I'm sure you told me, but I'm having CRS symptoms tonight.

[MistyCA]

LMAO! I want snow, Sam! Duh! :)))))) Well...I don't want to be buried in it or anything like that, though. :)

[MistyCA]

Well, in my memories there was usually some snow for Xmas, but not always. There will be more snow in the first quarter....February and March I think. And slush. We have had some light flurries and one or two days with a decent snowfall, but it doesn't stick around long. There are just some patches on the ground around here. It is 20 degrees out and it is comfortable enough to go out on the porch with short sleeves on.

[MistyCA]

I was a military wife during Vietnam. My first husband (bless his rotten heart...oh duh...did I say that?) was in the Navy in Cam Rahn Bay. He left one month before my son was born. My current husband was in the AirForce and served in Vietnam from 65-66 before I knew him. When I met him he was already discharged and a detective for the PD. :)

[SevenofNine]

Good evening Freepers in Foxhole while everybody was at their kinfolks cribs

North Korea according to BBC world news site is reporting that they step and reactive that North Korean reactor that carry nuke tech

Also late breaking news off AFP wire reporting that Russia is still saying NYET at Dubya suggestion lay smackdown on Sadddam

Look like Illya try protect Iraqi oil line here EH

Merryyyyyy Christmas evening to all Freepers in Foxhole

[SevenofNine]

Well some news off the wires copy

Report that Iraq has score nuke weapons from Paksterin according to sources according to late news off Sky news site

Also late news off Hareetz wire is reporting that Hezollah launches rocket attack near Israeli village on Northern border of Israel

NOT COOL AT ALL

[Jen]

Iraq with nukes? I agree - not cool at all.

I gotta get to bed. Going to my sister's house in the morning. Good night everyone!

[SAMWolf]

Good Night Jen

[JLO]

MissyCA - if you or someone you know is looking for help; check out wwww.hadit.com - many good posters/ideas regarding claims.

JLO

[E.G.C.]

BTTT!!!!!!

[MistyCA]

That's a great site. We also have it listed in our Resources guide at the beginning of each thread. Thanks for mentioning it again! :)

[Darksheare]

She was a Captain, I was an E-1...
THAT's a good enough reason there. *Chuckle*

[Darksheare]

Hmmm.. will it protect me from the encirclement of snowgoons out there?