SPECIAL MESSAGE

[FISHHEAD]

I send this out every Christmas, I do it for those who have been there, those at home, those who are there now,, but mostly for brothers and sisters who are with us only in our hearts, our thoughts, and our souls,,

 

 

 

The Night Before Christmas, 2008.

 

Hello everyone, In a few short hours it will be Christmas here. This is the sixth year I have sent this out, the last two from the sandbox. Things have been so, so here this month, no losses for us. We are going out soon and I will check back Christmas night. Everyone here misses those at home. It seems to be a little harder for the young soldiers and the first timers. I hope this finds you all doing good. Please send this on as you desire. Merry Christmas, Gary.

'Twas the night before Christmas,

He stood watch all alone,

In a dusty dark bunker,

Made of sand bags and stone.

I had come to this place,

With presents to give,

I had to find out,

How this person did live.

I looked all about,

A strange site I did see,

No tinsel, no presents,

Not even a tree.

No stocking, no mantle,

Everything was covered with sand,

Just a few scatted pictures,

Of family and friends.

There were weapons, ammunition

And gear of all kinds,

A sobering thought

Came through my mind.

For this place was different,

It was dark and dreary,

I found the home of a soldier,

Once I could see clearly.

The soldier stood watch,

Silent, alone,

Fighting off sleep,

In this place he called "home".

His face was so gentle,

Everything was in order,

This was just how I pictured

A United States soldier.

Was this one of the heroes

Of whom I had read?

With only a poncho

And the ground for a bed?

I realized the families

That 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 grownups would celebrate

A bright Christmas Day.

They all enjoyed freedom

Each day of the year,

Because of the soldiers,

Like the one standing here.

I could not help wonder

How many stood watch all alone,

On a cold Christmas Eve

In a land far from home.

They flew in the skies,

Patrolled out at sea,

To keep America safe,

The land of the free.

Some had gone home,

And were then laid to rest,

Young lives cut too short,

They had given their best.

Families would grieve,

They might not understand,

The war their soldier had fought,

In this far away land.

They had laid down their lives,

To set others free,

And to let them taste liberty,

Just like you and me.

This very thought

Brought a tear to my eye,

I dropped to my knees

And started to cry.

The soldier looked at me

And I heard his young voice,

"Please, Santa, don't cry,

This life is my choice;

I fight for freedom,

I'll face any danger

My life is given to God

To him I'm no stranger."

The soldier looked out of the bunker

And fought off the sleep.

I couldn't control it,

I continued to weep.

He kept watch for hours,

So silent and still,

And we both shivered

From the desert night's chill.

I did not want to leave

On that cold and dark night,

This guardian of freedom

So willing to fight.

Then the soldier turned to me,

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 young soldier,

And to all a good night."

The original of this poem was written by a U.S. Marine stationed in Okinawa many years ago. I have altered it to reflect the war we are involved in today. As we all celebrate Christmas let us take a few moments to think of those who have laid down their lives that we may all enjoy the freedoms we have. Each one of us knows someone who has been affected by this war. Stop today and say a prayer for them and all the soldiers protecting us at home and around the world. Please honor the Marine's request, below, who wrote the original poem, and mine. Thank You, Major Gary Knoer, Nangarhar PRT Afghanistan.

"Would you do me the kind favor of sending this to as many people as you can?

[FISHHEAD]

I met Gary in Jr. College in 1978.................we are still friends to this day.

[Jimmy Hoffa]

That's great Fish.

Merry Christmas. 

[IAG]

Nice reminder FH

[Sharp Square]

 

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hope everyone is happy a safe and happy holiday season 

[El Chapo2017]

There are No Atheists in Foxholes...