************************** A Soldiers Night Before X-mas: ************************** > '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". > > This poem was written by a Marine stationed in Okinawa, Japan. The following > is his request. I think it is reasonable..... > > PLEASE. Would you do me the kind favor of sending this to as many people as > you can? Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our U.S. > service men and women for our being able to celebrate these festivities. > Let's try in this small way to pay 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.