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Was the Night Before Christmas
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'Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone, in a one bedroom house made of plaster and stone.
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I had come down the chimney with presents to give, and to see just who in this home did live.
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I looked all about, a strange sight I did see, no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree,
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no stocking by the mantel, just boots filled with sand, on the wall hung pictures of far distant lands.
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With medals and badges, awards of all kinds, a sober thought came through my mind.
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For this house was different, it was dark and dreary, I found the home of a soldier, once I could see clearly.
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The soldier lay sleeping, silent, alone, curled up on the floor in this one bedroom home.
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The face was so gentle, the room in such disorder, not how I pictured a United States Soldier.
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Was this the hero of whom I'd just read? Curled up on a poncho, the floor for a bed?
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I realized the families that I saw this night, owed their lives to these soldiers who were willing to fight.
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Soon round the world, the children would play, and grownups would celebrate a bright Christmas Day.
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They all enjoyed freedom each month of the year, because of the soldiers, like the one lying here.
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I couldn't help wonder how many lay alone, on a cold Christmas eve in a land far from home.
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The very thought brought a tear to my eye, I dropped to my knees, and started to cry.
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The soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice, "Santa don't cry, this life is my choice.
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I fight for freedom, I don't ask for more, my life is my God, my Country, my Corps."
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The soldier rolled over and drifted to sleep, I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.
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I kept watch for hours, so silent and still, and we both shivered from the cold night's chill.
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I didn't want to leave on that cold, dark, night, this guardian of honor so willing to fight.
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Then the soldier rolled over, with a voice soft and pure, whispered, "Carry on Santa, it's Christmas Day, all is secure."
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One look at my watch, and I knew he was right. "MERRY CHRISTMAS MY FRIEND, AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT."
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Author Unknown
Please let us not forget our service men and women.
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