Merry Christmas

It is my annual post, respect to those in uniform.

As you celebrate the seasons, say a prayer for a soldier.
If you see a soldier this season, go up and shake their hand, they won't mind.
Hat Tip to all the Marines.
THANK YOU.



Merry Christmas My Friend
‘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.

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.


©Copyright circa 1991 by James M. Schmidt
(As printers in the December 1991 issue of the USMC magazine, Leatherneck)

Let's Say Thanks.

An email I received gave me my thought for the day:

Give thanks for family,
Give thanks for life,
Give thanks for liberty,
Give thanks for Christ.

Little to ask for,
No one to ask from,
We want more,
But need no more.

Forgotten are the simplicity,
That kept us in sanity and unity.
Snow angels or simple cookies.
Delight of a xmas tree's beauty.

Through the seasons' rush
And all the weather's fuss,
We must stop and ponder,
Not about how much lost, we wonder,
But the priorities we still have in our lives, and yonder.

Time to reflect on priorities,
Family,
Children,
Loves of our lives,
Health,
And the preservation of Liberty.

For on this day,
A simple task we partake,
To a soldier's life we may,
Bring a smile and a tear,
To thank them and hold them dear.

*******************************************

Please join us in saying thanks, go to Let's Say Thanks,
1. Pick a card
2. Xerox will mail it to a soldier.

It is free. And I am sure they will really love it.

Hat tip to Xerox.
Semper Fi!