`TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS: In a Soldier's
Home T'was 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 stockings by
the mantle, just boots filled with sand, on the wall hung pictures of for
away lands. With medals and
badges, awards of all kinds, 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 and alone, curled up on the floor in 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 had 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 to 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 for from
home. That 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. I don't ask for
more, my life, my God, my country, my Corps." The soldier
rolled ove and drifted to sleep, I couldn't control it I continued to
weep. I kept watch for
hours, so silent and still, and 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, "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." |
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