Please Remember Our Soldiers This Christmas

[Aquarium]

This topic has absolutely nothing to do with business. However, all things considered, I can't imagine anyone having a problem with me posting it.

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''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 find out just who in this home did live.

I looked all about,. A strange sight I did see,

No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.

No stocking by mantle, just boots filled with sand,

on the wall hung pictures of far distant lands.

With medals and badges, awards of all kinds,

a sober reality entered my mind.

For this house was different. It was all dark and dreary

I discovered that it was 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.

His face was so gentle, the room in such disorder...

not how I had pictured a United States soldier.

Was this the hero of whom I'd just read...

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

I realized the families that I visited this night,

owed their lives to these soldiers who were willing to fight.

Soon 'round the whole world, children would play,

and grownups would celebrate a bright Christmas day.

They all enjoyed freedom each month of the ear,

because of our 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.

This very sad thought brought a tear to my eye.

I suddenly dropped to my knees and started to cry.

The soldier awakened and said in a rough voice,

"Santa don't cry, for this life is my choice."

I fight for our Freedom. I don't ask for more.

My life is my God, my country, my corps.

Then the soldier rolled over and went back to sleep.

But I just couldn't help it, I continued to weep.

I watched the soldier for hours, so silent and still...

as we both shivered mightily from the winter night's chill.

I didn't want to leave on that cold, winter night...

this guardian of honor so willing to fight.

Suddenly the soldier rolled over, and with a voice soft and pure...

whispered, "Carry on Santa. All is secure."

I glanced at my watch, and I knew he was right.

Merry Christmas my friend, and to all a good night!"

NOTE:

This poem was written by a U.S. Marine stationed abroad. His identity is unknown. For the most part, the poem was presented as it was originally written. However, I did rewrite several lines of the poem to improve clarity, rythm and flow. The following is the soldier's request. I think it's a reasonable one.....

PLEASE. Would you do me the kind favor of sending this to as may people as you can? Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our US service men and women for our being able to celebrate these festivities. Let's try in this small way to repay a tiny bit of what we owe. Make people stop and think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for us.

Please, do your small part to plant this small seed. Thank you!

Dale King