The Soldiers Night Before Christmas
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The Soldiers Night Before Christmas
The original version of this was written by a Marine in 1986 and applied to Marines. You’ll find many of the different versions in the article above.
With so many of our service members overseas, it just seems appropriate to publish this.
In the military, you are a taught a code. A code of honor. Never leave your buddy behind.
It is a tough code to live up to, and we as Americans haven’t always lived up to it. The needs of the group supercede the needs of the individual, and for many Americans, this is simply too much to ask.
I think that is why only one percent of women and only 18 percent of men under age 65 are veterans. It takes a very special person to accept this calling.
To all of our service members overseas, know that you are not forgotten, you are not alone, and my most fervent prayer for 2009 and is that you come home safe in 2009, in victory.
Merry Christmas Everyone.
“The Soldiers Night Before Christmas”
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.
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 thought came through my mind.
For this house was different, it was dark and dreary,
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 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 round the world, the children would play,
and 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.
The 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
and 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,
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.”
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December 25 2008 08:09 am | Christian News
