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()++A Soldier's Silent Night/Merry Christmas, My Friend  

pal334 69M  
49509 posts
12/24/2021 6:22 am

Last Read:
12/25/2021 4:35 pm

()++A Soldier's Silent Night/Merry Christmas, My Friend

A Soldier's Silent Night/Merry Christmas, My Friend

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 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<b> control </font></b>it, I continued to weep.
The Original Poem,
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. Schmidt

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 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<b> control </font></b>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. Schmidt













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pal334 69M  
45821 posts
12/24/2021 6:24 am

Never stop. [image]

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pal334 69M  
45821 posts
12/24/2021 6:26 am

Remember this [image]

Please cum visit my blog,,,,,,,,,,,,pal334



Desir4Fire 49M
2387 posts
12/24/2021 7:09 am

Merry Christmas


grizz54545454 76M  
360 posts
12/24/2021 7:16 am

tks us army ret.


superbjversion2 68F  
24388 posts
12/24/2021 7:19 am

I've always been touched by this poem. Thanks for posting.

Opportunity may knock only once, but temptation bangs on the door forever!


ltrskr 75M

12/24/2021 7:25 am

I salute all of or soldiers who r serving or have served!
Merry Christmas to all.....

Thanks for posting!


SimpleLatina 59F
3447 posts
12/24/2021 9:02 am

Always keep them in mind, they serve us so importantly


scottv69 61M
6791 posts
12/24/2021 9:24 am

A great poem my friend. Happy Christmas Eve.


mufdiver69er2 63M  
1953 posts
12/24/2021 9:38 am

not just soldiers but also sailors and airmen.....no slight towards the jarheads but...just saying...

woop woop


Tmptrzz 61F  
107039 posts
12/24/2021 10:46 am

This one always brings tears to my eyes. I hope you enjoy a Happy Christmas Eve, and may it be a wonderful start to a very Merry Christmas for you and your family..

Seduce the mind and see what a wonderful adventure the body will take you on..


sweet_VM 65F
81699 posts
12/24/2021 2:58 pm

Merry Christmas to you Pal and your family hugs V

Become a blog watcher sweet_vm


exsquid46 64M
640 posts
12/25/2021 12:26 am

Mr. pal334,

Thanks for sharing the poem. I hope you and yours have a very MERRY CHRISTMAS.

A retired sailor.


pal334 69M  
45821 posts
12/25/2021 4:27 pm

    Quoting  :

It is my pleasure

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pal334 69M  
45821 posts
12/25/2021 4:28 pm

    Quoting superbjversion2:
    I've always been touched by this poem. Thanks for posting.
I am happy

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pal334 69M  
45821 posts
12/25/2021 4:29 pm

    Quoting  :

Thank you and I wish you the same

Please cum visit my blog,,,,,,,,,,,,pal334



pal334 69M  
45821 posts
12/25/2021 4:30 pm

    Quoting SimpleLatina:
    Always keep them in mind, they serve us so importantly
I wish you the same

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pal334 69M  
45821 posts
12/25/2021 4:31 pm

    Quoting  :

The same through out all countries

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pal334 69M  
45821 posts
12/25/2021 4:32 pm

    Quoting scottv69:
    A great poem my friend. Happy Christmas Eve.
It is great for all

Please cum visit my blog,,,,,,,,,,,,pal334



pal334 69M  
45821 posts
12/25/2021 4:34 pm

    Quoting Tmptrzz:
    This one always brings tears to my eyes. I hope you enjoy a Happy Christmas Eve, and may it be a wonderful start to a very Merry Christmas for you and your family..
Tears and prefer them all

Please cum visit my blog,,,,,,,,,,,,pal334



pal334 69M  
45821 posts
12/25/2021 4:35 pm

    Quoting sweet_VM:
    Merry Christmas to you Pal and your family hugs V
And a grand one to you and your family

Please cum visit my blog,,,,,,,,,,,,pal334



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