santa visits a soldier poem

Ed Paul, Virginia Beach

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Night Before Christmas

Last updated on December 6th, 2018

Email Fw: Xmas Special

‘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 I DID SEE, NO TINSEL, NO PRESENTS, NOT EVEN A TREE.

NO STOCKING BY 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 HOME OF A SOLDIER, ONCE I COULD SEE CLEARLY.

THE SOLDIER LAY SLEEPING, SILENT, ALONE, CURLED UP ON 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 THAT I SAW 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 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 CONTINUED 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.”

This poem was written by a Marine stationed in Okinawa Japan. The following is his request. I think it is reasonable…..

PLEASE. Would you do me the kind favor of sharing this with people?

Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our U.S. service men and women for our being able to celebrate these festivities.

Let’s try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe. Make people stop and think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for us.

Please, do your small part to plant this small seed.

These other email forwards may interest you:

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THE SOLDIERS NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS by LTC Bruce Lovely

December 24, 2022 by Erik Meisner 3 Comments

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!

LTC Bruce Lovely, USAF wrote this poem for Christmas Eve 1993 while assigned to US Forces Korea

If anyone knows who to credit for the bad ass artwork, let me know in a comment below..

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About Erik Meisner

Erik Meisner served in Attack Company, 2nd Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment as a rifle team leader with deployments to the Middle East, Central America and Asia. He's a licensed pilot, SCUBA diver and enjoys Alpine skiing, travel, sea kayaking, Overland exploration and golf. Growing up in a military family, Erik had the pleasure to live and ski all over North America and Europe. Now residing in beautiful Northern Michigan with his wife and 2 sons they continue to enjoy the outdoors as much as possible.

Reader Interactions

December 21, 2022 at 5:47 pm

I cry every time I hear it.

December 22, 2023 at 11:26 am

I hope this will be acceptable, I run a weekly net Saturday mornings on HF Ham Radio for digital data practice. As tomorrow is the Saturday before Christmas I would like to send this message and image as the weekly practice message for anyone participating to copy. If interested, or capable please listen to HF frequency 7120.00 USB @ 0900 MST The NWNM Digital Net. Al Massaro KF5SMH U S Army 69-77

December 24, 2023 at 4:41 pm

I too cried as it was read over the ham radio from a ham club that I am a part of. But, I also know first hand the loneliness as a military member. I was stationed in Kunsan, Korea and away from my family and husband that I met when I was at my first duty station. At least he was able to come to visit for a short time after Christmas.

The Soldier's Night Before Christmas

A serviceman's poem describes a soldier's lonely night the evening before christmas., david mikkelson, published nov. 30, 2000.

About this rating

A bit of verse which sees wide circulation online every Christmastime is generally credited to "a Marine stationed in Okinawa, Japan" (or, since 11 September 2001, "a Marine stationed in Afghanistan"):

A Marine stationed in Okinawa Japan wrote this poem. The following is his request. I think it is reasonable ... PLEASE. Would you do me a thoughtful favor of sending this poem to as many people as you can? Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our U.S. service men and women for our being able to celebrate these festivities. 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!

More specifically, the poem is often attributed to an Air Force Lieutenant Colonel named Bruce Lovely, who purportedly penned it on Christmas Eve 1993 while stationed in Korea (and saw it printed under his name in the Ft. Leavenworth Lamp a few years later):

I arrived in Korea in Jul 93 and was extremely impressed with the commitment of the soldiers I worked with and those that were prepared to give their lives to maintain the freedom of South Korea. To honor them, I wrote the poem and went around on Christmas Eve and put it under the doors of US soldiers assigned to Yongsan.

This attribution does a great disservice to the poem's true author, James M. Schmidt, who was a Lance Corporal stationed in Washington, D.C., when he wrote the poem back in 1986. As Corporal Schmidt told us in December 2002:

The true story is that while a Lance Corporal serving as Battalion Counter Sniper at the Marine Barracks 8th & I , Washington, DC, under Commandant P.X. Kelly and Battalion Commander D.J. Myers [in 1986], I wrote this poem to hang on the door of the Gym in the BEQ. When Colonel Myers came upon it, he read it and immediately had copies sent to each department at the Barracks and promptly dismissed the entire Battalion early for Christmas leave. The poem was placed that day in the Marine Corps Gazette, distributed worldwide and later submitted to Leatherneck Magazine.

Schmidt's original version, entitled "Merry Christmas, My Friend," was published in Leatherneck (Magazine of the Marines) in December 1991, a full two years before it was supposedly "written" by someone else on Christmas Eve 1993 (and had appeared in the Barracks publication Pass in Review four years before it was printed in Leatherneck ).

As Leatherneck wrote of the poem's author in 2003:

"Merry Christmas, My Friend" has been a holiday favorite among "leatherneckphiles" for nearly the time it takes to complete a Marine Corps career. Few, however, know who wrote it and when. Former Corporal James M. Schmidt, stationed at Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C., pounded it out 17 years ago on a typewriter while awaiting the commanding officer's Christmas holiday decorations inspection ... while other leathernecks strung lights for the Barracks' annual Christmas decoration contest, Schmidt contributed his poem to his section.

Over the years the text of "Merry Christmas, My Friend" has been altered to change Marine-specific wording into Army references (including the title: U.S. Marines do not refer to themselves as "soldiers") and to incorporate line-ending rhyme changes necessitated by those alterations.

We reproduce below Corporal Schmidt's version as printed in Leatherneck back in 1991:

Merry Christmas, My Friend 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 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 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 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 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 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.

After leaving the Corps, Corporal Schmidt earned a law degree and now serves as an entertainment attorney in Los Angeles and is director of operations for a security consulting firm.

In 2006 we encountered a version of the poem tweaked to make a sailor its central figure:

A Sailor's Christmas Twas the night before Christmas, the ship was out steaming, Sailors stood watch while others were dreaming. They lived in a crowd with racks tight and small, In a 80-man berthing, cramped one and all. I had come down the stack with presents to give, And to see inside just who might perhaps live. I looked all about, a strange sight did I see, No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree. No stockings were hung, shined boots close at hand, On the bulkhead hung pictures of a far distant land. They had medals and badges and awards of all kind, And a sober thought came into my mind. For this place was different, so dark and so dreary, I had found the house of a Sailor, once I saw clearly. A Sailor lay sleeping, silent and alone, Curled up in a rack and dreaming of home. The face was so gentle, the room squared away, This was the United States Sailor today. This was the hero I saw on TV, Defending our country so we could be free. I realized the families that I would visit this night, Owed their lives to these Sailors lay willing to fight. Soon round the world, the children would play, And grownups would celebrate on Christmas Day. They all enjoyed freedom each day of the year, Because of the Sailor, like the one lying here. I couldn't help wonder how many lay alone, On a cold Christmas Eve on a sea, far from home. The very thought brought a tear to my eye, I dropped to my knees and started to cry. The Sailor awakened and I heard a calm voice, "Santa, don't cry, this life is my choice." "Defending the seas all days of the year, So others may live and be free with no fear." I thought for a moment, what a difficult road, To live a life guided by honor and code. After all it's Christmas Eve and the ship's underway! But freedom isn't free and it's sailors who pay. The Sailor say's to our country "be free and sleep tight, No harm will come, not on my watch and not on this night. The Sailor rolled over and drifted to sleep, I couldn't control it, I continued to weep. I kept watch for hours, so silent, so still, I watched as the Sailor shivered from the night's cold chill. I didn't want to leave on that cold dark night, This guardian of honor so willing to fight. The Sailor rolled over and with a voice strong and sure, Commanded, "Carry on Santa, It's Christmas, and All is Secure!"

Leatherneck . "Gyrene Gyngles." December 1991 (p. 79).

By David Mikkelson

David Mikkelson founded the site now known as snopes.com back in 1994.

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The Soldier's Christmas Poem

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December 20, 2013

A Soldier’s Christmas Poem

“The true story is that while a Lance Corporal serving as Battalion Counter Sniper at the Marine Barracks 8th & I, Washington, D.C., under Commandant P.X. Kelly and Battalion Commander D.J. Myers (in 1986), I wrote this poem to hang on the door of the gym in the BEQ. When Colonel Myers came upon it, he read it and immediately had copies sent to each department at the Barracks and promptly dismissed the entire Battalion early for Christmas leave. The poem was placed that day in the Marine Corps Gazette, distributed worldwide and later submitted to Leatherneck Magazine.”

Schmidt’s original version, entitled “Merry Christmas, My Friend,” was published in Leatherneck (Magazine of the Marines) in December, 1991.

As Leatherneck wrote of the poem’s author in 2003:

“‘Merry Christmas, My Friend,'” has been a holiday favorite among ‘leatherneckphiles’ for nearly the time it takes to complete a Marine Corps career. Few, however, know who wrote it and when. Former Corporal James M. Schmidt, stationed at Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C., pounded it out over 17 years ago on a typewriter while awaiting the commanding officer’s Christmas holiday decorations inspection…while other leathernecks strung lights for the Barracks’ annual Christmas decoration contest, Schmidt contributed his poem to his section.”

Over the years the text of “Merry Christmas, My Friend,” has been altered to change Marine-specific wording into Army references (including the title: U.S. Marines do not refer to themselves as “soldiers”) and to incorporate line-ending rhyme changes necessitated by those alterations.

This poem was written originally by Marine Corps Lance Corporal James M. Schmidt in 1986. It is narrated by Father Ted Berndt .

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LZOoQom07Y]

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This entry was posted in Musings .

Jacqui Murray

The soldier's Christmas poem

Poem: The Soldier’s Christmas

Summary of eRumor: A poem said to have been written by a soldier stationed in Okinawa, Japan. It describes a visit by Santa to a simple home occupied by a solider. The Truth: This poem has been popular on the Internet for several years and occasionally makes a fresh appearance when there is a fresh attitude of support for the armed forces. There are several versions and several different names listed with them as author. The name most often associated with the poem is is that of Air Force Lt. Col Bruce W. Lovely. He says that he wrote it in 1993 while stationed In Korea. An article on SpecialOperations.com says the poem was actually written by Corporal James M. Schmidt, described as a former U.S. Marine Scout-sniper and that is was published in LEATHERNECK MAGAZINE in December of 1991, two years before Lt. Col Lovely claimes to have written it. Last updated 11/29/03

If You Know How To Fuel and Train Your Body, Where You Are Matters Less.™

The Soldier’s Night Before Christmas Poem

It’s Christmas Eve, and with all the care packages and gifts now being tucked under the “tree” for the men and women who are deployed in the armed forces, here’s the final, and Army rendition of the 1986 Merry Christmas, My Friend poem written by Former Lance Corporal James M. Schmidt, then stationed at Marine Barracks, Washington D.C..

The Soldier’s Night Before Christmas

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?

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.

Check back tomorrow for another Christmas poem – Now available for Christmas only, you can get ‘The Soldier’s Night Before Christmas’ Poem for someone special, serving or retired. This poster is available framed or unframed. Click here or the image below to get yours in time for the holidays!

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Poem : A Soldier’s Christmas

$A-Soldier\'s-Christmas$

T’was 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 site did I see, No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree, No stockings by the mantle, Just boots filled with sand, On the wall hung pictures of far distance 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 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.

The solider lay sleeping, silent, alone, Curled up in this, His one bedroom home. The face was so gentle, the room in such disorder Not how I pictured a United States Solider.

Was this the War Hero of whom I’d just read? Curled up on a poncho, the floor for a bed? His head was clean shaven, his weathered face tan, I soon understood this was more than a man. I realized the families that I saw this night Owed they’re lives to these soldiers who were willing to fight.

Soon round the world the children would play And grownups celebrate a bright Christmas day. They enjoyed freedom each month of the year, Because of these 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 Dropped to my knees and started to cry.

The Soldier awakened and I hear a rough voice, “Santa don’t cry, this is my life my choice: I fight for freedom, I don’t ask for more My life is my god, my country my Corps.”

The Solider rolled over and soon 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 nights chill.

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 on that cold dark night, This guardian of honor, so willing to fight. Then the Solider rolled over with a voice soft and pure, Whispered, “Carry on Santa, Christmas Day is Secure”

One look at my watch and I knew he was right Merry Christmas my friend and to all a good night.

7 thoughts on “Poem : A Soldier’s Christmas”

Love your site. Wish I got get A Soldier’s Christmas in a downloadable audio. Any ideas? Jim

Thanks. Happy to know you love TBTG. As for the audio, sorry, we cannot give the audio for download, due to copyright regulations.

God Bless You Georgy N Joseph

Huhuhu! That almost made me cry. My dad is on the military and he was sent to Iraq before. And thinking that he spend the Christmas alone really makes me cry.

The poem about the soldiers Christmas is quite side. As we see, soldiers have no longer time for their family because they are busy protecting their country.

I have found the audio version of this song – it was in the top 50 country christmas song list –

Father Ted Berndt, â€˜A Soldierâ€™s Silent Nightâ€™

just thought you would like to know

Thank you for your service just does seem to be enough. My son is out there with you and I am home in what will seem like my bed. Merry Christmas to all of you far and dear. Yes, Merry Christmas and be safe to all this year. Momma/Grandma 76

THIS BROUGHT TEARS TO MY EYES.

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Little Girl Wants To Keep Christ In Christmas. And She Wants Santa To Help!

This 'night before christmas' with a twist will remind you of something to be thankful for.

As we gather around the Christmas trees and dinner tables with our families this season let’s not forget those that have scarified all of those things for our freedom. We can’t thank them enough. Say a prayer for our soldiers and the families that miss them.

A soldier's christmas author unknown.

'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 whom 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 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 home of a soldier, once I could see clearly.

The soldier lay sleeping, silent, alone,

Curled up on the floor in this one bedroom home.

The face was 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 his bed?

I realized the families that I saw 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 Christmas Eve in a land so 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 regiment."

The soldier rolled over and drifted off to sleep,

I couldn't control it, I continued 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.

Check out this amazing tribute to our troops:

Credit: Inspire 21

Here is another tribute to all of our "Fallen Soldiers"

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'Twas The Night Before Christmas

Famous holiday poem, clement clarke moore wrote this poem in 1822 for his own children. it is also referenced with the title, "a visit from st. nicholas". the poem is the origin for many of the modern notions of santa claus, his plump and cheerful white-bearded look, the names of his reindeer, and even the tradition that he brings toys to children..

I remember hearing this poem as a little youngster. I would also read this to my daughter and nephews each year right before Christmas! It is a wonderful poem to share with your family!...

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Famous Poem

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there; The children were nestled all snug in their beds; While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads; And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap, Had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap, When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash, Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash. The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow, Gave a lustre of midday to objects below, When what to my wondering eyes did appear, But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny rein-deer, With a little old driver so lively and quick, I knew in a moment he must be St. Nick. More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name: "Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now Prancer and Vixen! On, Comet! on, Cupid! on, Donder and Blixen! To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall! Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!" As leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky; So up to the housetop the coursers they flew With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too-- And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof The prancing and pawing of each little hoof. As I drew in my head, and was turning around, Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound. He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot, And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot; A bundle of toys he had flung on his back, And he looked like a pedler just opening his pack. His eyes--how they twinkled! his dimples, how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry! His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, And the beard on his chin was as white as the snow; The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, And the smoke, it encircled his head like a wreath; He had a broad face and a little round belly That shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly. He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself; A wink of his eye and a twist of his head Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread; He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk, And laying his finger aside of his nose, And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose; He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew like the down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight-- "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

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3 years ago

I was really touched by this poem, making me remember the days I was a little child and how I cherished Christmas.

I loved this poem as a child. Now I can read it to my son, and he loves it too.

6 years ago

I remember hearing this poem as a little youngster. I would also read this to my daughter and nephews each year right before Christmas! It is a wonderful poem to share with your family! Thanks again for bringing back special memories of the holiday season!

7 years ago

This is a beautiful famous story that sooo many children have heard probably every year. I know us five kids heard it over and over, and I read it to my three children. They still have the book from when I was young. It's amazingly magical. We all love it. Thanks for the joy you have given us. Jac Judy A. Campbell

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Today in Aviation History

IMAGES

Santa Visits A Soldier At Xmas
The Soldier's Christmas Poem
Poem Santa Visits A Soldier
Military Christmas Poem
Military Christmas Poem
soldier with santa poem christmas card

VIDEO

"A Visit From Saint Nicholas" by Clement C. Moore
Christmas marine soldier poem for greeting cards 2024
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COMMENTS

Night Before Christmas
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.". This poem was written by a Marine stationed in Okinawa Japan.
THE SOLDIERS NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS by LTC Bruce Lovely
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! LTC Bruce Lovely, USAF wrote this poem for Christmas Eve 1993 while assigned to US Forces Korea
The Soldier's Night Before Christmas
In 2006 we encountered a version of the poem tweaked to make a sailor its central figure: A Sailor's Christmas. Twas the night before Christmas, the ship was out steaming, Sailors stood watch ...
A Soldier's Silent Night
Then, the soldier rolled over, In a voice soft and pure, He whispered, "Carry on Santa, It's Christmas Day, all is secure." One look at my watch, I knew he was right. Merry Christmas my friend, May God bless you this night. Note: The original poem is Merry Christmas, My Friend, which contains notes concerning the poem and its recording.
The Soldier's Christmas Poem : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming
Christmas, Soldier. Item Size. 8.4M. The Night Before Christmas. T'was 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 I did see: no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
PDF A ' A A SOLDIE
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 continued to weep. i kept watch for hours, so silent and still
Twas The Night Before Christmas (by a marine...)
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 country, my God, 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.
A Soldier's Christmas Poem
This is one of the most popular military Christmas poems I've seen. Here's it's history, from "A Soldier's Silent Night": "The true story is that while a Lance Corporal serving as Battalion Counter Sniper at the Marine Barracks 8th & I, Washington, D.C., under Commandant P.X. Kelly and Battalion Commander D.J. Myers (in 1986), I ...
The soldier's Christmas poem
Poem: The Soldier's Christmas. A poem said to have been written by a soldier stationed in Okinawa, Japan. It describes a visit by Santa to a simple home occupied by a solider. This poem has been popular on the Internet for several years and occasionally makes a fresh appearance when there is a fresh attitude of support for the armed forces.
The Soldier's Night Before Christmas Poem
"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! Check back tomorrow for another Christmas poem - Now available for Christmas only, you can get 'The Soldier's Night Before Christmas' Poem for someone special, serving or retired ...
Poem : A Soldier's Christmas
On a cold Christmas Eve, in a land far from home. The very thought brought a tear to my eye. Dropped to my knees and started to cry. The Soldier awakened and I hear a rough voice, "Santa don't cry, this is my life my choice: I fight for freedom, I don't ask for more. My life is my god, my country my Corps.".
The Soldier's Christmas Poem
The poem that a soldier made about santa coming and visiting a soldier
When Santa Visited A Lonely Soldier He Was In Tears. But The Soldier
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. Check out this amazing tribute to our troops: John 15:13. Credit: Inspire 21 . Here is another tribute to all of our ...
a soldiers christmas, poems, essays, letters
the soldiers night before christmas. by major bruce w. lovely. apologies to clement moore who first wrote the story for his children in 1822, also credit given to m/sgt noah brazos ross, ra18033195, us army 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 ...
A Soldier's 'Twas The Night Before Christmas
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 continued to weep. i kept watch for hours, so silent and still and we both shivered from the cold ...
Merry Christmas, My Friend
The poem was recorded in one take. The recording received a national A.I.R. (Achievement in Radio) award from the March of Dimes. The text on this page was compared to a purchased copy of page 79 from the December 1991 issue of "Leatherneck." This poem is the second of three poems printed on that page. Sources: A Soldier's Silent Night. The ...
A SOLDIER'S CHRISTMAS
The soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice, "Santa don't cry, for 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 continued to weep. I kept watch for hours, so silent and still,
'Twas The Night Before Christmas
Clement Clarke Moore wrote this poem in 1822 for his own children. It is also referenced with the title, A Visit from St. Nicholas. The poem is the origin for many of the modern notions of Santa Claus, his plump and cheerful white-bearded look, the names of his reindeer, and even the tradition that he brings toys to children.
Santa Visits A Soldier At Xmas
http://youtu.be/q5TLgmPvNis - This poem and presentation is a tribute to members of our serving forces, from all countries, and certainly highlights the plig...
PDF Santa Visits a Soldier
Santa Visits a Soldier Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone, in a one bedroom house made of ... owed their lives to these soldiers who were willing to fight. Soon round the world, the children would play, ... A Marine stationed in Okinawa Japan wrote this poem. Title: Microsoft Word - Santa Visits a Soldier
Twas the Night Before Christmas for the soldier
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 soon drifted to sleep, I couldn't control it, I continued to weep. I kept watch for hours, so silent and still,
Santa Weeps For Lonely Soldiers In Heartbreaking 'A Soldier's Silent Night'
Santa Weeps For Lonely Soldiers In Heartbreaking 'A Soldier's Silent Night'. Santa took action into his own hands when he reconstructed the classic poem "Twas The Night Before Christmas" and humbly recognized men and women of military service. The ode began with a chilling, yet familiar intro similar to the original version, although ...
A Visit from St. Nicholas
A Visit from St. Nicholas, narrative poem first published anonymously in the Troy (New York) Sentinel on December 23, 1823. It became an enduring part of Christmas tradition, and, because of its wide popularity, both Nicholas, the patron saint of Christmas, and the legendary figure Santa Claus were permanently linked with the holiday.