This page is dedicated to all the servicemen and women who have fought for our country to keep it free. My hat goes off to Austin, Gabe, Jeff, and Patrick who I have had the honor of meeting "online" that have fought and are continuing to fight for our country today and also for Glenn who was killed in Vietnam fighting for our country. Denny and Tom who served in Vietnam, Ken who was in the service during Vietnam but was stationed in the Phillippines and also, Clarence Keaton (friend), Bill (my father-in-law) who lost a leg during World War II and MY Dad (who received the Purple Heart for being wounded in action) and all the other men listed on this website who fought during World War II to help keep this country free, along with all the other servicemen/women that fought or are still fighting to keep the United States of America free...to each of you I want to wish you a very Blessed CHRISTmas and the brightest of New Year!
'Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone.
In a one bedroom house made of plaster and stone.
I had come down 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 that 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. Would you please do me the 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. Servicemen 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 and plant a seed.
"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's reasonable...
My Other Christmas Pages
Christmas
Click on the Christmas above to be taken to "Merry Christmas"
Angels
Click on the Angels above to be taken to "The Christmas Angels"
Miracle
Click on the Miracle above to be taken to "Mary's Christmas Miracle"
Tree
Click on the Tree above to be taken to "The Littlest Fir Tree"
Bethlehem
Click on the Bethlehem above to be taken to "B is for Bethlehem"
Home
Click on the Home above to be taken to "From Our Home to Yours"
Dog
Click on the Dog above and be taken to "A Rescue Pet's Christmas Poem"
Angelic
Click on the Angelic above to be taken to "An Angelic Christmas"
