The Soldier's Christmas Poem

[Anonymous]

I authored this poem many years ago while stationed in Washington DC as a US Marine.**It first appeared in LEATHERNECK MAGAZINE.**I am happy that it has brought so much happiness over the years.**SEMPER FI.Jim schmidt



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schmidtjim@linkline.com

[Anonymous]

I just wanted to let you know that I was asked by a friend to look for this poem on the internet.**She had heard such great things of it.**I shall now have to thank her for asking me to look it up.**This one is very touching and I think everyone should read it.**My father was in the army when I was younger, I am 25 now.**And after reading this I am thankful he did not have to serve in any war.**Although he gladly would have, if he was asked.**There are so many men and women overseas as we speak, and some will not get to share Christmas with their loved ones this season.**I only hope that all who read this will take a moment a say thanks to these men and women and ask the Almighty Father to bless and watch over them this Holiday Season.As for me, I will remember them in my thoughts and prayers.**Thank you for sharing this poem!**Merry Christmas and God Bless!: Here's what we're all about--if this poem doesn't get to you, you're made of stone!********* The Night Before ChristmasTwas 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.I looked all about, a strange sight I did see,No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.No stocking by the mantel, just boots filled with sand,On the wall hung pictures of far distant lands.He had medals and badges, awards of all kinds,and a sober thought came through my mind.For this house was different, it was dark and dreary,I found the home of a soldier, once I could see clearly.The soldier lay sleeping, silent, alone,Curled up on the floor of this one bedroom home.The face was so gentle, the room in such disorder,Not how I pictured a United States soldier.Was this the hero of whom I'd just read?Curled up on a poncho, the floor for a bed?I realized the families that I saw this night,Owed their lives to these soldiers who were willing to fight.Soon 'round the world, the children would play,And grownups would celebrate a bright Christmas day.They all enjoyed freedom each month of the year,Because of the soldiers, like the one lying here.I couldn't help wonder how many lay alone,on a cold Christmas eve in a land far from home.The very thought brought a tear to my eye,I dropped to my knees and started to cry.The soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice,&quot;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.&quot;The soldier rolled over and drifted to sleep,I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.I kept watch for hours, so silent, so stilland we both shivered from the cold night's chill.I didn't want to leave on that cold dark night,This guardian of honor so willing to fight.Then the soldier rolled over, with a voice soft and pure,Whispered, &quot;Carry on Santa, it's Christmas day, all is secure.&quot;One look at my watch, and I knew he was right,Merry Christmas my friend, and to all a good night.Author Unknown - Have a Wonderful Holiday Season



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redmasque@hotmail.com

[Anonymous]

Here's what we're all about--if this poem doesn't get to you, you're made of stone!********* The Night Before ChristmasTwas 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.I looked all about, a strange sight I did see,No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.No stocking by the mantel, just boots filled with sand,On the wall hung pictures of far distant lands.He had medals and badges, awards of all kinds,and a sober thought came through my mind.For this house was different, it was dark and dreary,I found the home of a soldier, once I could see clearly.The soldier lay sleeping, silent, alone,Curled up on the floor of this one bedroom home.The face was so gentle, the room in such disorder,Not how I pictured a United States soldier.Was this the hero of whom I'd just read?Curled up on a poncho, the floor for a bed?I realized the families that I saw this night,Owed their lives to these soldiers who were willing to fight.Soon 'round the world, the children would play,And grownups would celebrate a bright Christmas day.They all enjoyed freedom each month of the year,Because of the soldiers, like the one lying here.I couldn't help wonder how many lay alone,on a cold Christmas eve in a land far from home.The very thought brought a tear to my eye,I dropped to my knees and started to cry.The soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice,&quot;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.&quot;The soldier rolled over and drifted to sleep,I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.I kept watch for hours, so silent, so stilland we both shivered from the cold night's chill.I didn't want to leave on that cold dark night,This guardian of honor so willing to fight.Then the soldier rolled over, with a voice soft and pure,Whispered, &quot;Carry on Santa, it's Christmas day, all is secure.&quot;One look at my watch, and I knew he was right,Merry Christmas my friend, and to all a good night.Author Unknown - Have a Wonderful Holiday Season



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dimills@msn.com

[Anonymous]

Thanks for posting this heartfelt poem... Certainly brought a tear to my eyes... And thank you James for authoring it..

[joannvil99]

Awww...that is one of my favorite poems. Actually my husband sent it to me back in 1997 when he first joined the Marine Corps and it's been a tradition of mine to send that same poem to him around Christmas time. Plus, for the past two years he's been gone on deployment through the holidays so that poem hits me pretty bad!

[Anonymous]

I authored the original poem that was published 2 times in Leatherneck, The Marine Gazette and which I recited last Christmas on NPR Radio. I'm happy that for many years now it has moved so many people. However, The one you have up is actually an altered version by an Airforce LT. Col Bruce Lovely who has paid the price for his claim to authorship. And who ever schmidtjim @linkline.com is, I certainly have never met him, although HE now claims to have written it. I welcome any comments if desired, please send directly to me at: strategicdefense@hotmail.com, which is the email address listed as pulished in Leatherneck. Thanks and Semper Fi. James Schmidt, Esq. Former Marine Scout Sniper Instructor and Presidential Counter Sniper Team member.