Reset Password
If you've forgotten your password, you can enter your email address below. An email will then be sent with a link to set up a new password.
Cancel
Reset Link Sent
If the email is registered with our site, you will receive an email with instructions to reset your password. Password reset link sent to:
Check your email and enter the confirmation code:
Don't see the email?
  • Resend Confirmation Link
  • Start Over
Close
If you have any questions, please contact Customer Service

A Soldier's Silent Night/Merry Christmas, My Friend  

pal334 69M  
49509 posts
12/12/2021 6:39 am

Last Read:
12/13/2021 3:15 pm

A Soldier's Silent Night/Merry Christmas, My Friend

Part of my view of the Christmas season. This is a poem of a Leatherneck (US Marine). I believe ever country has a similar selection of military

The Original Poem,
as printed in the December 1991 edition of "Leatherneck":

'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<b> boots </font></b>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 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.

Author: Marine Corporal James M. Schmidt








Please cum visit my blog,,,,,,,,,,,,pal334




pal334 69M  
45821 posts
12/12/2021 6:45 am

Some Canadian soldiers. If you have images of soldiers from your country, please post here.[image]

Please cum visit my blog,,,,,,,,,,,,pal334



pal334 69M  
45821 posts
12/12/2021 6:46 am

They do have their people to share with. [image]

Please cum visit my blog,,,,,,,,,,,,pal334



mufdiver69er2 63M  
1953 posts
12/12/2021 7:11 am

then again...xmas of 79...spent onboard ship in naples,italy harbor carries some warm memories of it's own...

woop woop


SimpleLatina 59F
3447 posts
12/12/2021 9:21 am

So good. We also get together and send Christmas cards and a small gift to soldiers


scottv69 61M
6791 posts
12/12/2021 10:15 am

It is very moving my friend. Happy Holidays.


Tmptrzz 61F  
107039 posts
12/12/2021 10:56 am

Thank you Pal for reminding us about what truly matters this Holiday Season. This always brings tears to my eyes, as it did just now. May everyone who has served and is still serving enjoy a very Merry Christmas, and know how much I appreciate their service..

I hope you enjoy a peaceful Sunday..

Seduce the mind and see what a wonderful adventure the body will take you on..


sweet_VM 65F
81699 posts
12/12/2021 6:23 pm

Very true and thank you for your service. Hugs V

Become a blog watcher sweet_vm


pal334 69M  
45821 posts
12/13/2021 3:09 pm

    Quoting  :

Thank you

Please cum visit my blog,,,,,,,,,,,,pal334



pal334 69M  
45821 posts
12/13/2021 3:10 pm

    Quoting SimpleLatina:
    So good. We also get together and send Christmas cards and a small gift to soldiers
What an excellent idea

Please cum visit my blog,,,,,,,,,,,,pal334



pal334 69M  
45821 posts
12/13/2021 3:11 pm

    Quoting scottv69:
    It is very moving my friend. Happy Holidays.
He did a good choice sharing it with me

Please cum visit my blog,,,,,,,,,,,,pal334



pal334 69M  
45821 posts
12/13/2021 3:12 pm

    Quoting  :

It was my pleasure to share

Please cum visit my blog,,,,,,,,,,,,pal334



pal334 69M  
45821 posts
12/13/2021 3:13 pm

    Quoting Tmptrzz:
    Thank you Pal for reminding us about what truly matters this Holiday Season. This always brings tears to my eyes, as it did just now. May everyone who has served and is still serving enjoy a very Merry Christmas, and know how much I appreciate their service..

    I hope you enjoy a peaceful Sunday..
Yes I do, and may we continue to respect them

Please cum visit my blog,,,,,,,,,,,,pal334



pal334 69M  
45821 posts
12/13/2021 3:14 pm

    Quoting sweet_VM:
    Very true and thank you for your service. Hugs V
And your so many years of service

Please cum visit my blog,,,,,,,,,,,,pal334



pal334 69M  
45821 posts
12/13/2021 3:15 pm

    Quoting  :

Continued thanks to them all

Please cum visit my blog,,,,,,,,,,,,pal334



Become a member to create a blog