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        New Message Board Archives >> 2004 Posts >> Read it.
        
(Message started by: Big Dan on Dec 24^th, 2004, 5:51pm)

Title: Read it.
Post by Big Dan on Dec 24^th, 2004, 5:51pm

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.

-Lance Corporal James M. Schmidt, written near Christmas in 1986

-Big Dan

Title: Re: Read it.
Post by Sean_C on Dec 24^th, 2004, 6:01pm

Merry Christmas to our Troops, and God Speed to all

Sean..................................

Title: Re: Read it.
Post by nani on Dec 24^th, 2004, 6:06pm

:'( :'( :'(

These poor kids just break my heart.
May God bless and protect them.

Title: Re: Read it.
Post by echo on Dec 24^th, 2004, 6:22pm

Thanks Dan. nice to see you post again.

My son is an ex-marine, and now a cop, and I am soooo proud of him.

Title: Re: Read it.
Post by Jonny on Dec 24^th, 2004, 6:34pm

http://www.2frogs.net/carepackages.htm

My box was 47 pounds....I hope that Sgt. enjoys it.

...................................................jonny

Title: Re: Read it.
Post by Karla on Dec 24^th, 2004, 7:53pm

Semper Fi

Title: Re: Read it.
Post by TxBasslady on Dec 25^th, 2004, 2:54am

Wow....here we sit, nice and comfy in our homes.

We have the luxury of spending Christmas with our children and our grandchildren, sisters, bothers, parents and friends. Most of us bought too many gifts, and cooked too much food.

In a land far away from the hustle and bustle of Christmas, there are sons, daughters, Mom's and Dad's spending this day without their family.

So many sacrifices have been made by our Military.

They surely deserve our thoughts and prayers for a safe journey in their duties, and our wishes for a Christmas as merry as it can be under the circumstances.

Title: Re: Read it.
Post by Carl_D on Dec 25^th, 2004, 4:07am

Just too awesome for words.

Hi Dan 8)

Carl D

Title: Re: Read it.
Post by Ree on Dec 25^th, 2004, 9:45am

You guys are killin me... thanks for honoring our troops... love to you all Ree
http://www.militarymagnets.com/sitebuilder/images/u.s._marines_freehand_draft-119x245.jpg
http://www.militarymagnets.com/sitebuilder/images/u2.s._army_freehand_draft-116x247.jpg