>>> Soldiers 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. >>> >>> PLEASE: Would you do me the kind favor of sending this to as may people >>> as you can? >>> Christmas will be coming soon and we should all be aware of where credit >>> for our being able to celebrate these festivities is due. >>> 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 >>> >>> Have a Merry Christmas and Great New Year!!! >>> >>> EDUARDO F. COLLADO >>> SGT, USA >>> Defense Information School >>> Course Manager