The Soldiers Night Before Christmas

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Rudi S.
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The Soldiers Night Before Christmas

Post by Rudi S. »

I thought this would be appropriate to post.
A Very Merry Christmas to All:

"THE SOLDIERS NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS"

By Major Bruce W. Lovely

(With Apologies to Clement Moore Who First Wrote the Story for His Children in 1822 also credit given to M/Sgt Noah Brazos Ross, RA18033195, a USArmy 18th Field Artillery survivor of Utah Beach, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, Battle for the Ardennes, Deutschland wrote "Daddy's Christmas" (Soldier's Christmas)" as a Bonita, Montague County, Texas, highschool exercise in 1937)

Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,
In a one bedroom house made of plaster & 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 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 far distant lands.
With medals and badges, awards of all kind
A sober thought came through my mind.
For this house was different, so dark and dreary,
I knew I had found the home of a soldier, once I could see clearly.
I 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.
His face so gentle, his room in such disorder,
Not how I pictured a United States soldier.
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 ‘round the world, the children would play,
And grownups would celebrate on a bright Christmas day.
They all enjoyed freedom each month of the year,
Because of soldiers 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 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."
With that he rolled over and drifted off 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 I covered this Soldier from his toes to his head.
And I put on his T-shirt of gray and black,
With an eagle and an Army patch embroidered on back.
And although it barely fit me, I began to swell with pride,
And for a shining moment, I was United States Army deep inside.
I didn’t want to leave him on that cold dark night,
This guardian of honor so willing to fight.
Then the soldier rolled over, whispered with a voice so clean and pure,
"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!
____________________________________________________
I wrote this poem for Christmas Eve 1993 while assigned to US
Forces Korea
Lt Col Bruce Lovely, USAF
(Printed in the Fort Leavenworth Lamp, 1995)
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xavier
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Post by xavier »

merry Xmas Rudi!

to all veterans, and all fellow forum members, happy xmas.

Regards
Xavier
"Assiduus usus uni rei deditus et ingenium et artem saepe vincit"

Constant practice devoted to one subject often outdues both intelligence and skill:
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Tommydog
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x-mas

Post by Tommydog »

Merry xmass to all of you ,who ever you are were ever you are.
Remembering thos who are nott here :D
History unspoken, is history forgotten
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M.Wittmann
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Post by M.Wittmann »

Merry Xmas to all and those who can't be with us.
"Klagt nicht, kämpft!"

Wanted:
Info about 5.SS-Pz(Gren)Div 'Wiking' and the dutch Waffen-SS volunteers.
Annelie
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Post by Annelie »

Thankyou Rudi, how appropriate.

Merry Christmas to you and the Veterans that have shown favour
by posting at this site and answering questions put forth to you.

Peace On Earth and Good Will Towards All Man for at least
24 hours!

Thankyou again Rudi,
Annelie
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MI Trooper
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merry christmas

Post by MI Trooper »

I love that poem Rudi :) thanks for posting it.
ANd A Merry Christmas to everyone.!
unnachgiebig, donnert unser Behälter heraus auf einem Überfall !!
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HaEn
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poem

Post by HaEn »

Thanks Rudi, although a little late. Was quite sick during the holidays, but back on the mend. Happy New Year to all of you. !!!! HN.
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Rudi Welz
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Soldiers christmas

Post by Rudi Welz »

Thanks a lot, Rudi, even a little late.
Happy New Year to all of you

/Rudi
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Tom Houlihan
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Post by Tom Houlihan »

Thank you, Rudi! For several years now, I've received that poem in my e-mail, from one friend or another. I always read it through. Of course, I'm still partial to the Marine version, but no sense in splitting hairs!!!


Much happiness and success to all in 2004!!
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Feldgrau für alle und alle für Feldgrau!
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