*this page was originally published:

24 Dec 2011

Happy Holidays 2013

I would like to dedicate this poem

(even though I am NOT the author)

to every American who has served in our

United States Armed Forces.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. 

GAHOLLYWOODKISS.com

a Christmas Eve poem:

Merry Christmas, my friend.

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 of 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, 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 back 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 eagle, globe and anchor emblazzoned so bold.

And although it barely fit me, I began to swell with pride;

and for one shiny 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 good night.

*written by: LCpl James M. Schmidt, USMC (Dec 1986)

Note:

Written by James M. Schmidt in 1986 when he was a Lance Corporal stationed at the Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C.

In December 2002, Mr. Schmidt stated that in 1986 he wrote this poem

to hang on the door of the gym in the enlisted quarters.

When his commanding officer saw the poem,

he immediately had copies sent throughout the Barracks,

and promptly dismissed the entire Battalion early for Christmas leave.

The same day, the poem was enclosed in the Marine Corps Gazette, distributed worldwide, and was later printed on page 79 in the December 1991 issue of "Leatherneck," which in 2003 gave this explanation:

With a slight change of wording, the poem has become known as

"A Soldier's Silent Night," and was recorded under that title by

Father Ted Berndt as a tribute. Berndt was a World War II Marine veteran and recipient of the Purple Heart.

At the time of the recording in late 2003, Father Berndt was a priest at Bread of Life Charismatic Episcopal Church in Dousman, Wisconsin.

He died March 19, 2004.

The poem was recorded in one take.

The recording received a national A.I.R. (Achievement in Radio)

award from the March of Dimes.

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