Merry Christmas, My Friend
By James M. Schmidt, a Marine Lance Corporal
stationed in Washington, D.C., in 1986
Twas the night before Christmas, 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
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 boots 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 children 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.
2007-12-12 06:54:44 · 12 answers · asked by brians girl 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
I've always like that one!
2007-12-12 06:58:34 · answer #1 · answered by Guessses, A.R.T. 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Beautiful. Semper Fi.
Ron: It's amusing the "anti-war, peace loving hippies" are usually the ones who make threats against me or my sons life. I have a friend whose husband is in the Army, in Iraq currently, and she has to sleep with a pistol in her night stand because of a "peace lover" making threats to her and her children. A bit hypocritical, don't you think? The military aren't baby killers, and until you've walked a mile in their boots, you can't say what they do over in Iraq.
2007-12-12 07:23:54 · answer #2 · answered by .. 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
posted already or not. Thank You from the deepest parts of MY Marine heart!! Semper Fi................i spent 4 years in the Marine Corps and you make me proud to be an American. we need more people like yourself in this world. hope you have a wonderful day!
2007-12-12 07:04:10 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I would love to have copy of this and put in the newspapers so that other people can read this. I think our U.S. troops could use a heavy dose of sympathy, compassion and let them know that we are all very proud of them.
2007-12-12 07:04:39 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have never read this before, Thank much! it is very nice!
God Bless our Troops!
Thank you to all who have served and are serving this great country, The USA!
2007-12-12 08:54:24 · answer #5 · answered by compkid 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Nice but NOT a military question so drop and give me fifty, missy :-P
2007-12-12 07:22:46 · answer #6 · answered by conranger1 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Oorah!
2007-12-12 07:06:00 · answer #7 · answered by United American Socialist States 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Whether or not it has been posted before, thank you for posting it today. It was a pleasure to read.
2007-12-12 08:04:28 · answer #8 · answered by Robert S 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
i don't know how many times i've read this before,
butt each time, i still tear up
2007-12-12 06:58:20 · answer #9 · answered by miss kimi 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Yah why doesn't Santa Visit one of the families in which that Marine murdered there child?
2007-12-12 07:09:22 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 7⤋