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 did I see,
No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree,

No stocking by the 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 house of a soldier,
Once I could see clearly.

The soldier lay sleeping, silent, alone,
Curled upon 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 I saw on this night,
Owed their lives to these soldiers, who were willing to fight.

Soon round the world the children would play,
And grown-ups 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 started 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.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

"ANY SERVICEMEMBER" WEB SITES ANNOUNCED

You don't have to look too far to know of someone deployed overseas ... perhaps a member of your own family, or the family of a co-worker or friend. Let's not forget them this holiday season. I know the joy which results by receiving messages from "home". This year is it even easier than taking pen to paper. You can do it on the Internet.

Last year, the Department of Defense has placed a moratorium on mail addressed to "Any Servicemember." In the past, this was a way for people to share their thoughts with and give support to our men and women in the service. These letter-writing campaigns have always been a morale booster, however recent mail-related attacks have resulted in additional precautions and the safety of servicemembers is paramount. Please visit the "Any Servicemember" link as it contains the web sites that can be used to direct a web-based message to any branch of the service. Let's show support for our military personnel.

Defense Link - US Department of Defense

--Selected from "The Good, Clean Funnies List.

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