Merry Christmas

sgtdmski · 12-24-2007, 10:38 PM

Every year on Christmas Eve I usually find myself working, so I always take time to post a Christmas Wish to some of my old friends......This year I am also honored to send it to my cousin Philip, In his honor I will post the original.

Quote:

“Merry Christmas, My Friend” by LCpl James M Schmidt, USMC, 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.

Thank you Philip.

There are so many good thoughts out there and not to make this a long post, I want to include some links. Check some out when you have the time.

Link

Link

Link

Link

Merry Christmas to all!!!!!

dmk

garysher · 12-24-2007, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sgtdmski

Every year on Christmas Eve I usually find myself working, so I always take time to post a Christmas Wish to some of my old friends......This year I am also honored to send it to my cousin Philip, In his honor I will post the original.

Thank you Philip.

There are so many good thoughts out there and not to make this a long post, I want to include some links. Check some out when you have the time.

Link

Link

Link

Link

Merry Christmas to all!!!!!

dmk

Thanks Sarge, and a Happy Christmas to you and your family.

I always enjoy your thoughtful posts, even the ones I disagree with!

mikelew007 · 12-24-2007, 10:53 PM

To Gary, Sgtdmski, and to everyone at DtT, I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

OhDear · 12-24-2007, 11:22 PM

Merry Christmas Sgt! And Gary and Mike and just everybody!!!

Sgt. did you write that poem for Phillip? That is really very good and so touching. You ought to submit it for publication to the USMC.

With holiday love to all,
OhDear

tyreay · 12-25-2007, 06:59 AM

Happy Holidays!

Wish you all a safe and happy season.

sgtdmski · 12-25-2007, 07:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OhDear

Merry Christmas Sgt! And Gary and Mike and just everybody!!!

Sgt. did you write that poem for Phillip? That is really very good and so touching. You ought to submit it for publication to the USMC.

With holiday love to all,
OhDear

No that is not my work. The poems author is listed by the title. I dedicated it to my cousin Philip who is a United States Marine (God, how I hate that......I was in the Army) and is serving his third tour in Iraq. HE actually voluntered to go back so that another member could stay home with his wife who is just about to deliver their first baby. Usually I will post this poem with a few minor changes that reflect the Army, but because of Philip I figured the original and authentic version should be posted.

The poem itself has been published several times in Leatherneck, the magazine for the US Marines. For all the interservice rivalries that develop, sometimes you have to really tip your hat to the Marines, they are a rare breed.

God Bless everyone, I hope everyone's Christmas is joyous and filled with love, and here is looking forward to more great debates in the New Year.

Please remember, that although I may disagree with your policies, that does not mean I do not value your friendship, I hope that one day if DTT every does have a meeting, I can be there to meet many of you.

dmk

OhDear · 12-25-2007, 07:53 AM

Strange how I completely missed that first line of the poem last night, the one with the author's name!!!

Too many sugarplums dancing in my head, I reckon!

Still, that was a beautiful thing Phillip did, taking someone else's tour of duty so that one might be home with his wife and new baby.

May he come home safe ...

Merry Christmas!

OhDear

pensacola_niceman · 12-25-2007, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sgtdmski

No that is not my work. The poems author is listed by the title. I dedicated it to my cousin Philip who is a United States Marine (God, how I hate that......I was in the Army) and is serving his third tour in Iraq. HE actually voluntered to go back so that another member could stay home with his wife who is just about to deliver their first baby. Usually I will post this poem with a few minor changes that reflect the Army, but because of Philip I figured the original and authentic version should be posted.

The poem itself has been published several times in Leatherneck, the magazine for the US Marines. For all the interservice rivalries that develop, sometimes you have to really tip your hat to the Marines, they are a rare breed.

God Bless everyone, I hope everyone's Christmas is joyous and filled with love, and here is looking forward to more great debates in the New Year.

Please remember, that although I may disagree with your policies, that does not mean I do not value your friendship, I hope that one day if DTT every does have a meeting, I can be there to meet many of you.

dmk

Well, I am here in Iraq too. We had to work today. We did get some good eats at the mess hall though. Ho, Ho, fucking Ho.