A little something we need to remember.......

[F/A-18 MechDood]

Some of you may remember this from the old board when I posted it back in 1999. While I am fortunate enough to be able to stay in the states, please keep all our troops in memory and prayer. Something to think about during the holidays.


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 whom,
In this home did live.

I looked all about,
a strange site I did see,
No tinsel, no presents,
and not even a tree.

No stocking by the mantle,
just boots filled with sand,
On the wall hung pictures,
of far distant lands.

With medals and badges,
awards of all kind,
A sobering thought,
came through my mind.

For this house was different,
it was dark and dreary,
I found the home of a soldier,
once I started to 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 poncho,
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 around the world,
the children would play,
Grownups 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.

This very thought,
brought a tear to my eye,
I dropped to my knees,
and started to cry.

The soldier awakened,
and 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”.

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,
As we both shivered,
from the cold night’s chill.

I didn’t want to leave,
on that cold dark night,
This guardian of honor,
so willing to fight.

Then the soldier rolled over,
with a voice soft and pure,
He 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 Marine stationed in Okinawa Japan wrote this in 1999. The holidays are here. There will be servicemen and servicewomen who will be unable to celebrate the holidays with their families. Please keep them in thought.

[ragtop]

Thanks F/A - that makes one stop and think..........

[Xeroid]

I was never in the military but my dad was. We need to remember the families of our servicemen and women also. It is very hard on kids when they have to say good bye to their parent for a whole year. My dad was in Southeast Asia in 1967. Christmas is particularly hard whey your dad is half the world away.

Mike

[caddmannq]

<---(Raises glass...)
Here's to the ones that didn't make it home, guys.
May justice prevail always.

CaddmannQ

[ILC]

Unfortunetly freedom is not free. Merry christmas and happy holidays to all those stationed around the world protecting EVERY one of us and our families who come to techimo. THANK YOU and God bless.

ILC

[cadetstimp]

Not only would I not have freedom, I wouldn't be here if it weren't for a certain Squid.......a yet again if it weren't for the one before him. I feel proud to be in a community that appreciates the defenders of freedom!