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A Marine’s Christmas

A Marine’s Christmas

‘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 had 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 the mantle, just boots full of sand.

On the wall hung pictures, of a distant land.

With Medals and Badges, Awards of all kinds,

A sober thought, came to mind.

For this house was different, it was dark and dreary,

I found the home of a Marine, Once I could see clearly.

The Marine lay sleeping, silent, alone,

Curled up on the floor, In his one bedroom home.

The face was so gentle, The room in such disorder,

Not how I pictured, A United States Marine.

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 Marines, Who where willing to fight.

Soon around the world, children would play,

And grownups would celebrate, a bright Christmas day.

They enjoyed Freedom, each month of the year,

Because of these Marines, 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 Marine rolled over, and soon 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 Marine 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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Comments

Carlton King - March 31, 2020

herd lol

Edward Carpentier - March 31, 2020

I arrived in Da Nang just before Christmas.I remember the Christmas tree in the mess hall. It was like the Charlie Brown tree. The next day it was off to Chu Lai and VMFA542. Merry Christmas to all Marines Past and present!

Murray M. Hermanson - March 31, 2020

My question too. Harry, I was with C company 3rd Eng. Murray 1371

Sgt. N. - March 31, 2020

I believe Murray was correct in that it was wrote by a Marine, I think it was an officer because of the reference to the medals, badges and awards. Reminds me of the numerous CO’s I served under, and their love me walls.

Harry 1371 - March 31, 2020

What Battalion were you with? Harry 1371

SSgt Robert Morris - March 31, 2020

Great Christmas poem, Semper Fi…..
Merry Christmas to all you Jarheads in harms way and all you Leathernecks keeping the Corps the Corps. SSgtBob53-57

Dave - March 31, 2020

Jingle bells, Mortar shells
VC in the grass
Take your Merry Christmas
And shove it up your …..

…In the meadow we would lose a new man
Someone said his name was Private Brown
We just kept on humping
Walking in the freaking Viet Nam

Later on we’ll perspire
When we come under fire
We’ll face unafraid
The plans that we made
Walking in the freaking Viet Nam…

David McClellan - March 31, 2020

” Freedom isn’t Free ” does not ring hollow to those who defend it. At 70 years old I would still do it again. 3/5 1stMarDiv. RVN 69-70 Semper Fi ! God Bless ALL our service members both at home and deployed to hostile lands.

David D. Waltz - March 31, 2020

Merry Christmas to all the Marines and I remember the Christmas in 1969 in Nam. To all my friends in “C” Company 1371. Same to the rest that won’t be home this year.

GySgt. Edwin Jimenez - March 31, 2020

To all that stand a post or watch. Thank You, Semper Fi.

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