Remembering Those Who Serve During the Holidays

[skippy1965 Cynthia]

Most of us are getting ready to celebrate this month-whether it be Christmas, Hanukkah, or others. But the reason we can celebrate with our families and friends is because others will spend the holidays far from their loved ones. They may be in hot deserts, humid tropics, or frozen wintry mountains. Their only companions maybe others like themselves-those who serve their country in the military. We owe them a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid, but perhaps we can at least remember them as we exchange gifts and see our families. Remember especially those who returned from battle with scars or injuries-some visible and physical; some emotional and mental…unseen but just as real and difficult to deal with. Some of them have family to take care of them, others live in VA facilities, and-tragically-some live alone in their homes or worse-on the streets alone. I encourage each of us to reach out to them-and even if you can’t do that for whatever reason , the least we can do is pause and reflect. Below is a poem I saw back in the 90s- I offer it here for those who didn’t come home, those who returned home(broken or healthy) and those who remain at their post this special time of year. To them I simply say “Thank you for your service and Merry Christmas. And a thank you to all our members who served or had family who did.
Cyn

The Original Poem,
as printed in the December 1991 edition of “Leatherneck”:

‘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.

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.

Author: Marine Corporal James M. Sch

[Fredrika Jones]

What a beautiful tribute – Happy Holidays and God Bless you!
Big Hug and Kiss,
Fredrika Jones

[Michelle Brown]

I am former 82nd AIRBORNE RECON Vietnam 69 and can relate totally.We had a job to do and we did it well.This poem brings me to tears every time I read it.I can switch Army for Marine and be right back in country ,in the paddies.The smells and emotions come roaring back and so does the pride and espirit de corps.To all my brothers and sisters I say “Welcome home and Merry Christmas”. ALL THE WAY AIRBORNE.

[skippy1965 Cynthia]

Michelle, thank you for your service. My dad was in Vietnam as a meteorologist at Bien Hoa from 67-68-I was only 2-3 so I have no real memory of him being gone for the year. Merry Christmas!
Cyn

[Suzanne Martin]

Thank you for sharing – a beautiful tribute to our service people – being a veteran I think of our brothers and sisters in arms throughout the year but especially during this time – despite being with comrades it is lonely not being with the ones you love – it takes a special person to serve in the military – Merry Christmas to all our service members active, reserve, national guard, veteran and retiree, if not for you the freedoms we enjoy would not be possible

XOXO
Suzanne

[skippy1965 Cynthia]

ThNk you so much for your service and merry Christmas!

[Teri Ray]

I cannot pass up joining a tribute to the men and women currently serving and those who have served in the past during the holidays.  I am a 30 year retired submariner who served underway on several holidays, so I can relate to the sacrifice of being away from friends and family over the holiday season.  I still get choked up when I think of those serving our country all over the world doing things most of us could not conceive of.  God bless our service members.

Thanks to all of you who have served and currently serve to allow the rest of us to live free in this great country.

Thanks to Cynthia (Skippy) for reminding us of the sacrifice our military members make during holidays and all year long.

[skippy1965 Cynthia]

Thank you so much for your service and merry Christmas!

[Stephanie Bass]

Hi Cynthia and thank you for a wonderful and respectful post here for all the military around the world .. Most of you know my son is active and just returned home from Romania  ..I thank all here on CDH that served for us to have a better way of life and saddens me that i had medical problems that i could not serve in my younger days .. Another thanks to all that served and didint return or returned home deciesed such a great loss 😥😥..

Stephanie Bass

[skippy1965 Cynthia]

Thanks Stephanie. Even if you didn’t serve yourself, you still sacrificed by having family serve-it’s hard for the families of those actually serving.
Cyn

PS brrrrrr thinking of you in Montana during this Arctic blast! We “only” got down to 7 here In Virginia

[Stephanie Bass]

Yes thanks as it was in the 30s below for a bit just starting to warm up at well 4 above right now like a heat wave ha ha ..

Hugs Stephanie

[Anonymous]

Well written Cynthia. Thanks for reminding us. God’s love and blessing to all who are and have served. Peace and love to everyone

[Lara Muir]

Thanks for the reminder, and tribute Cynthia!
Merry Christmas to those who we owe so much! Thank you so much for your service, and all of our freedom!!

💕Lara

[Jenifer Sexy]

Oorah
I am a former marine

[Author]

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