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Two years ago I was given a notecard with a version of this. I went looking for the original but found this. I'll post it now.
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.
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 far distant lands.
With medals and badges,
awards of all kind
A sobering thought
came through my mind.
For this house was different,
so dark and dreary,
I knew I had found the home of a soldier,
once I could see clearly.
I heard stories about them,
and I had to see more
So I walked down the hall
and pushed open the door.
And there he lay sleeping
silent and alone,
Curled up on the floor
in this one bedroom home.
His face so gentle,
his room in such disorder,
Not how I pictured
a United States soldier.
Was this the hero
of whom I’d just read?
Curled up in his poncho,
the 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 'round the world,
children would play,
And grownups would celebrate
a bright Christmas day.
They all enjoyed freedom
each month of the year,
Because of soldiers
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 started to cry.
The soldier awakened
and I heard a rough voice,
"Santa don't cry,
this life is my choice;
I fight for freedom,
no more can be asked,
my life is duty, honor and comrades."
With that he rolled over
and 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 I covered this Soldier
from his toes to his head.
And I put on his T-shirt
of gray and black,
With an eagle and an Army patch
embroidered on back.
And although it barely fit me,
I began to swell with pride,
And for a shining moment,
I was United States Army deep inside.
I didn't want to leave him
on that cold dark night,
This guardian of honor
so willing to fight.
Then the soldier rolled over,
whispered with a voice so clean and pure,
"Carry on Santa, it's Christmas Day,
all is secure."
One look at my watch,
and I knew he was right,
Merry Christmas my friend,
and to all a good night!
I used to spend my time in the virtual world Secondlife. I still am a queen within the Vampiric nations of Bloodlines and Netherworld. A counterpart in another clan sent me a notecard of the original poem. I found this version and liked it so much I am posting it here. here is my own addition.
Let us not forget those who served when we offer praise.
Those safely home and those that still fight,
Those in hospitals and those that didn't see the next day's light.
On their own feet or seated in chairs,
heads still high regardless of stares.
There are no words to be spoken aloud,
That will express that we are so proud.
Only a handshake and salute
are all we can really give
to our brothers and sisters that fought so hard
for all of us to live.
HOO-AAH!
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Comments
My Dad served in two wars,
The Veterans Day before he died I thanked him for his service. He looked odd for a moment, and told me that was the first time someone had done that for him. I'm glad I didn't wait until it was too late.
Wonderful.
Delightful yet so sad. Pretty well every country has its problems with Veterans.
Even outwardly sane people can turn into quivvering wrecks when they remember scenes from 'their' war. My father was like that. He was part of the first Allied troops to enter Bergen-Belsen in 1945. Those scenes lived with him for the rest of his life. He only started to talk about it a few months before he died in 2001.
You can do something to help. This year I'm part of a team who are cooking Christmas Lunch for 20+ Veterans mostly former Paratroopers and Gurkhas. But as they say, 'a dog is not just for Christmas', they need help for the rest of the year as well.
I actively try to use companies run by and staffed with Vets. We own them so much yet so many people just pass them by on the street.
Many just need a little kindness and help to get a direction in life.
Why not make 'Help a Vet' your New Years resolution?
I didn't serve but I've been associated with all the branches of the UK Military most of my working life. I was even a Civvy member of the BAOR at one time.
UK Miitary
My mums dad was Royal Artillery in the Kashmir 1926ish to 1929ish. His ankle was run over by a truck and he was discharged. He then went to work for the Royal Mail until he retired. My mum came to the States in 1958 as an au pair (nanny) and after a bit she join the US Army. My Grandmum would send a letter along with grandpa to work (London's international mail sorting facility), he'd drop it in to the mail bag going to New York and my mum would get her letter that night at 5pm mail call on the same day at Ft Dix in New Jersey.
Both of my parents are veterans Mum Army Med tech, and Pops Naval SeaBee Steel Worker. I'm an Air Force Disabled Vet and my wife and I live on my $533.75 a month VA check and a $325 a month Trust payment from my grandma. We have a 19 year old going to college too....
*HUGS*
Robi
The original version Merry
The original version Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas, My Friend by James M. Schmidt
http://gospelweb.net/Christmas/marinechristmaspoem.htm
A very popular adaptation A Soldier's Silent Night By Father Ted Berndt
http://www.asoldiersilentnight.com/index.html
I remember reading a similar
I remember reading a similar story last year, too. Thank you for posting this, for I too am a veteran (US Navy). I started my 6 years of service at the tail end of Viet Nam (1975). Included was spending 2 months in the Persian Gulf during the hostage situation (Iranian US Embassy) in 1978. That started the day before Iran and Iraq declared war on each other.
I am disabled, and know other veterans, including relatives, some of who are disabled from their service. For the last 15 years I have made it a habit that when I talk with other veterans or current military, I always thank them for their service. And I agree, that in the US our country does a poor job of caring for it's veterans, it should be Veterans >>> then foreigners. If even 10% of our Foreign Aid was diverted to Veteran Care, funding wouldn't be an issue.
Here's hoping you all have a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday Season, whatever you believe.
Hugs to all,
Erin of Wis <3
Snowfall,
Snowfall,
I thank you for this posting.
It did and does bring back memories of my service time.
In my 27 years, I spent a lot of Christmas days separated from family; Vietnam (66-67) for one. Germany in the early 60's and early 70's.
The AF seemed to want me there for some reason.
Coming from a military family, I also know of the many Christmas days my Dad missed with us, WWII and Korea; plus my two sons who were in the Gulf War and then Iraq.
As my Vietnam Security Police Association says; and I say and pass on to all veterans everywhere "Welcome Home and Thanks for Serving".
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to each of you.
Janice Lynn
Not an either/or
I'm a veteran myself and have used some of the veteran benefits. I'm okay because I am reasonably healthy and have some income but there are many veterans who are doing poorly because of health or economic issues. They could use more help, but suggesting that the money should be taken away from someone else is not worthy of the effort we veterans put out on behalf of American (or British or fill-in-the-blank) values. And the places where the money is being suggested to be taken from are not actually enough to do much.
Just as an example, the budget of the US Veteran Affairs Department is almost ten times the amount of foreign aid given by the US. And much of that foreign aid (about a third) is spent delivering health and food aid in disaster areas around the world. That's right, the US spends about 1/2 of 1 percent of the national budget on foreign aid. Foreign Affairs gets about 4% of the government total budget.
So yes, let's do right by veterans who have gotten the short end, and I don't mean me. But let's not cheapen the sacrifice of those who died and those who still suffer by snatching bread and vaccine away from foreign children.
It's Christmas, this is America (or maybe it's the UK or somewhere else where you are). It's not an either/or question.
Hugs and happy Christmas to all,
Erin
= Give everyone the benefit of the doubt because certainty is a fragile thing that can be shattered by one overlooked fact.
I'll accept this for my daughter
She served two tours in the Army based out of Ft. Hood. She did her time in the desert and came home to find herself divorced by her now OUT of the army husband.
my dad was a British soldier
my dad was a British soldier at Belson he said he knew what hell he seen it.I join the Royal Navy and was in the Merchant navy I now live since 2003 full time as Jane.So I may spend most of my time in a skirt. But I know what its like to serve nearly 60 now but I can remember but in the day god bless all who serve and has served and those who gave their lifes god bless them
thank you so much Snowfall
My dad is a veteran of Korea and Vietnam. Dad and I have not taljed much since I came out, but I make sure to have vets in my home for Christmas dinner each year. We so owe them our freedom and much more.
critiquing latest story
HOO-AAH from one vet to all my brothers
freedom
We should tell the brave men and women who wear the colors of our Armed Forces thank you. We should also thank the vets that no longer wear those colors. Go to your local VA hospital and thank then for what they have done. My dad is a vet of the NAVY and I know it made him feel good to hear that from a local High School's J.R.R.O.T.C Class that made a visit to the VA hospital he goes to the doctor at.
thanks
to all the men and women who serve in the effort to keep our country safe and free.
Robert
My dad was in the British
My dad was in the British Army WW2 from D Day to Germany he was PBI. Yes we should remember them all a lot of them gave there todays for our tommrows. Merry Christmas Happy New Year.
Excellent poem
I recall seeing something similar to this in previous christmas'. But the sentiment is heartfelt and extends to all our service men and women in all countries.
J Schade
As a veteran......
I am always moved by this story.
I was raised in an old Southern family, a family which still believed in the cavalier tradition - God, Country, Family, and service is the highest calling of all. I was steeped in lessons of honor and duty my entire life. As I was the only male of my generation (or at least everyone except believed that to be true!), I had a multitude of teachers between my father, my uncles, my grandfather, and a few cousins thrown in. I still remember the furor it caused when I told them all that I had accepted a commission in the US Navy rather than the Army. I was supposed to go Airborne like my father and his brother, and eventually Ranger school.
Instead, I ended up spending most of my career in the 7th ANGLICO, a fact which eventually earned me the respect of my entire family - something that meant nothing to me by the time it happened.
What meant more to me than my family's respect was the love and respect of the men who served with me, the wonderful young men I led into combat. I will always remember them, and I think of them every Christmas - especially those I couldn't bring home.
Thank you for posting this.
Dallas Foard
Captain, Seventh ANGLICO
U S Navy
D. Eden
Dum Vivimus, Vivamus
To those who served!
To those who served before me, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE! WE OWE YOU DEBT THAT CAN NEVER BE REPAID! Thank you!
I served because I wanted to make a difference, I come from a large military family, lots of uncles, grandpa and heck even grandma served, I wanted to do something that made them proud, I didn't want to be like my stepdad.. somewhere along the way he decided he wanted to live in a bottle. I wanted nothing to do with one, or him.
So at the young age of 17 (Graduated HS early) I got my grandma to force my stepdad (legal guardian at the time) to sign the papers for me, and off to BMT at Ft. Leonard Wood I went.
My story is much the same as any other soldier, we went where they told us to go, do what they told us to do. Lost friends and made friends along the way. I won't forget them. Ever.
I left the Army, disillusioned with how they were doing things, crosstrained over to the Air Force.. didn't change too much, the food and lodging was better...I was medical'd out in 2009. I'm lucky though, still have all my parts, I have nerve dmg in my spine. Going through the SCI I met a lot of people with missing parts and we all said pretty much the same thing... well SHIT... what now?
To this day, I thank every vet I meet. I take the time to tell them their sacrifice was not in vain. Don't fool yourself.. EVERY vet sacrificed something to be able to be a vet. Either was an arm, leg, body parts, holes, shrapnel, hearing loss due to IEDs, or even their time for volunteering to go, or going when ordered too, every one of us sacrificed someway or another to qualify to be called a veteran.
If I sit too long and think about it, I'll start to cry when I remember the ones who aren't with us anymore. The ones who used to tease me about my hair, the ones who laughed that I couldn't do pull ups for crap but then privately asked me to run with them because they were in danger of failing PT for run times and I was so much faster that I must have had a secret to running (sprints heheh snerk). I remember each and every one of them. The stupid crap we did to each other, the times we went out of our way for each other. Thank you for everything you did, thank you for being my big brother when no one else would. Thank you for all the things you did that I never got to say thank you for.
So I sit here crying, I don't expect the non military to understand me, why I'm crying on Christmas Eve, while my 12 year old daughter is 30 feet away totally unaware of this.
So please, thank every damn vet you see, because they might have been like my big brother Mike, and done sooo many things that they never get thanked for, and someday they won't be there for you to thank.
Sara
US Air Force Ret.
3P051
Thank you
Thank you from my uncles (army) my cousin (OSS, Korea, Viet Nam) my 3 brothers and my daughter.