Merry Christmas to My Comrades in Arms...

Many of you have probably seen this...maybe even year after year via email, but each Christmas season, this still brings a lump to the throat and a tear to the eye. It really does.

Many thanks to Blackfive for bringing this new classic to the Blogosphere...along with the audio that you can stream or download here. (If you're on dial-up, the audio will take awhile, but I highly recommend that you listen to it...it adds to the effect of the poem below.)

You'll notice that the audio version is changed to be a little more inclusive of all soldiers that stand watch over our freedoms...and those of the oppressed who need a little more help to secure their own. Not to take away from the original poem, the sentiment and deeply felt gratitude should go out to anyone that has donned the uniform and stood ready to protect us all.

I truly believe that those who serve don't want you to feel sorry for them and the last few lines of this should reassure you of this. They've made a choice and answered a call to defend against those that would take away the freedoms that so many of you are enjoying...as evidenced by your access to the Internet. Remember that there are places around the world where the Interent is still something to be discussed in whispers...a far off dream.

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.

I'm sure that I speak for the author...share this with your friends and family. If nothing else, as a reminder to people that while they're enjoying their time around the Christmas tree next Saturday morning...watching the wrapping paper and bows fly from the packages (yes, I'm talking about you MajorBaby), sitting down to Christmas dinner with family and friends, and finally relaxing in the big soft recliner at the end of the day...that thousands of men and women voluntarily stand guard around this great nation and the globe to guarranty that you can continue the holiday traditions freely for years to come. There really are those out there that want to take that away from us.

Merry Christmas wishes go out to you reading this...and to those serving in far away lands.

From the high ground...and the entire MajorFamily.

MajorDad1984