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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 I’d seen. This was the home of a U.S. Marine. I’d 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 I’d 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 couldn’t 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, “Santa, don’t cry, this life is my choice I fight for freedom, I don’t ask for more. My life is my God, my country, my Corps.” With that he rolled over, drifted off into sleep, I couldn’t control it, I continued to weep. I watched him for hours, so<b> silent </font></b>and still. I noticed he shivered from the cold night’s 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 didn’t 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 “Carry on, Santa, it’s Christmas Day, all secure.” 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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12/19/2018 6:15 am |
Great
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Salute! Excellent and appropriate posting.
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What a sad but sweet poem
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12/19/2018 7:10 am |
When I was stationed in Korea in 1979-1980 I came home in April of 1980 and went to My parents house to see my wife and kids. Mom and Dad had a huge meal set up with all the trimmings and in the Living Room was a Christmas Tree still there from the December before. That my friends is love
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A lovely post Pal. Merry Xmas hugs V Become a blog watcher sweet_vm
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What a great Poem Pal as we all need to remember all of our Service Men and Women especially this time of the year. Have a great Hump Day..
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12/19/2018 10:14 am |
That is a wonderful poem. I wish all of our troops far and wide, and to the veterans a very Merry Christmas. "Sweet, steamy, sensuous kisses light the bright fires of passionate lust within us." scott6250
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Thanks for reminding us to think of those far away .... and also their families whose Christmas is incomplete without them. Opportunity may knock only once, but temptation bangs on the door forever!
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It is my pleasure to share it
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Salute! Excellent and appropriate posting.
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What a sad but sweet poem
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A lovely post Pal. Merry Xmas hugs V
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Thank you and many thanks to your decision to serve our nation
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What a great Poem Pal as we all need to remember all of our Service Men and Women especially this time of the year. Have a great Hump Day..
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That is a wonderful poem. I wish all of our troops far and wide, and to the veterans a very Merry Christmas.
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Thanks for reminding us to think of those far away .... and also their families whose Christmas is incomplete without them.
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And a grand and peaceful Christmas to you
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