Twas The Night Before Christmas - A Holiday Tribute To Our American Soldiers

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.

I looked all about.
A strange sight I did see
No tinsel, no presents
Not even a tree.

No stocking by mantle
Just boots filled with sand
On the wall hung pictures
Of far distant 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, 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'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
"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."

The soldier rolled over
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."

Written By:
Lance Corporal James M. Schmidt

This poem was written by one of our soldiers and it is a beautiful message. We should all thank God and our US military for our freedom. While celebrating the holidays this year, give a thought to the soldiers who are fighting for our country and take the time to say a prayer that they may be brought home safely.

If you would like to show your support of the American soldiers, please heed this small but heartfelt request and email this tribute to your friends and loved ones. Spread this message so that we may all be thinking of our brave soldiers this holiday season.

Let's Say Thanks
In Support Of Our Troops

This website allows you to send a free personalized message to our soldiers overseas. Show your support and appreciation of their hard work and service to our country. You can also read heartwarming messages from the grateful soldiers who have received these cards. Send a message to a soldier today and lift the hearts of those who allow us our freedom.

Click here to send a message to a soldier.

Adopt A Soldier
Soldiers Angels

If you are looking for an active way to support our troops, you might consider adopting a soldier. By joining Soldiers Angels adopt-a-soldier program, you commit to sending sending one card or letter each week and at least one or two care packages a month. This is one of the best things you can do to help brighten up a soldiers day. It is so very important for each of them to know that we care and support them and your letters and care packages will do just that.

Click here to find out how you can adopt a soldier.

Soldiers Angels mission is to provide aid and comfort to any and all Armed Forces defending freedom and liberty for all. Soldiers angels adopt a soldier program helps keep the supply line going to troops in need.
Source

A Holiday Tribute to Our American Soldiers
© 2012 - Crystal Booth


This lens is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution -
No Derivative Works 3.0 License.