Remembering Our Troops

[Bryan W]

I just wanted to say thank you to all of our troops serving their country and especially those that go in harms way this Christmas-

Thank you all for your service

God Bless and come home safe.

Edited December 25, 2006 by Bryan W

[DougBarnes101]

To follow up on Bryan W's sentiment

To the troops all over the world

Merry Christmas and may God Bless you all.

Thank You for your service and for all you are doing to keep this country free.

Wishing that each and every one of you come home safe and soon!

[ima45dv8]

Hoping they all come home safe and sound....

[Catfish]

Thanks to all who serve. It is your sacrifice that lets the rest of us enjoy the holidays safe and warm at home.

Thanks guys.

[George Post]

Merry Christmas!

There are many versions of this poem, I chose this one as a proud father who played Santa to a boy who would grow up to be a fine US Marine.

Every year I read this poem on Christmas and every year it brings a tear to my eye and chills to my spine.

Merry Christmas Daniel, I'm glad you are home this year.

Corporal Schmidt's version as printed in Leatherneck back in 1991:

Merry Christmas, My Friend

Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,

In a one bedroom house made of plaster & stone.

I had come down the chimney, with presents to give

and to see just who in this home did live

As I looked all about, a strange sight I did see,

no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.

No stocking by the fire, just boots filled with sand.

On the wall hung pictures of a far distant land.

With medals and badges, awards of all kind,

a sobering thought soon came to my mind.

For this house was different, unlike any I'd seen.

This was the home of a U.S. Marine.

I'd heard stories about them, I had to see more,

so I walked down the hall and pushed open the door.

And there he lay sleeping, silent, alone,

Curled up on the floor in his one-bedroom home.

He seemed so gentle, his face so serene,

Not how I pictured a U.S. Marine.

Was this the hero, of whom I’d just read?

Curled up in his poncho, a floor for his bed?

His head was clean-shaven, his weathered face tan.

I soon understood, this was more than a man.

For I realized the families that I saw that night,

owed their lives to these men, who were willing to fight.

Soon around the Nation, the children would play,

And grown-ups would celebrate on a bright Christmas day.

They all enjoyed freedom, each month and all year,

because of Marines like this one lying here.

I couldn’t help wonder how many lay alone,

on a cold Christmas Eve, in a land far from home.

Just the very thought brought a tear to my eye.

I dropped to my knees and I started to cry.

He must have awoken, for 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."

With that he rolled over, drifted off into sleep,

I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.

I watched him for hours, so silent and still.

I noticed he shivered from the cold night's chill.

So I took off my jacket, the one made of red,

and covered this Marine from his toes to his head.

Then I put on his T-shirt of scarlet and gold,

with an eagle, globe and anchor emblazoned so bold.

And although it barely fit me, I began to swell with pride,

and for one shining moment, I was Marine Corps deep inside.

I didn't want to leave him so quiet in the night,

this guardian of honor so willing to fight.

But half asleep he rolled over, and in a voice clean and pure,

said "Carry on, Santa, it's Christmas Day, all secure."

One look at my watch and I knew he was right,

Merry Christmas my friend, Semper Fi and goodnight.

Edited December 25, 2006 by George Post