Merry Christmas Marines

[Agent G]

By James M. Schmidt, a Marine Lance Corporal

stationed in Washington, D.C., in 1986

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.

Merry Christmas to all.

G

[trogdor]

As a former SeaBee, I have a deep respect for Marines

[mikemodeler]

Thank you for posting that Wayne. All Americans owe our veterans and current troops a huge "thank you" for allowing us the freedom to celebrate Christmas (or whatever holiday you celebrate)without fear of harm.

May everyone have a wonderful Christmas and enjoy the time spent with family or friends.

[impcon]

Evan as a Canadian, I find that poem to be VERY touching.. Likewise - thank you to ALL who serve and who have served in any capacity to protect our way of life and our freedoms. Merry Christmas to all service people.. I wish you a safe and happy Christmas and a wonderful New Year and again - thank you for doing what you do...

[crazyjim]

Merry Christmas, Wayne. I'd like to share a story with you.

Back in 1968 when I enlisted in the Corps, my folks joined the Marine Parents of America. They got together monthly to talk about their sons and make care packages to send us. For Christmas of 1969, they sent us all decorated Christmas trees - about 24" tall.

When my family got together on Christmas Day, they made tape recording of the party. My one cousin Carol (she was 7 or 8) had received a keyboard from Santa and she played the Marine Corps Hymn.

We got the tree and tape at our basecamp, set it up and played the tape.

Every year since then, I set up my little tree. It's still in the original box and all the decorations are original. Then I play that Marine Corps Hymn. As tears stream down my face, I remember the kids who weren't fortunate enough to make it home alive.

SEMPER FI, Brother.

[Agent G]

Merry Christmas, Wayne. I'd like to share a story with you.

Back in 1968 when I enlisted in the Corps, my folks joined the Marine Parents of America. They got together monthly to talk about their sons and make care packages to send us. For Christmas of 1969, they sent us all decorated Christmas trees - about 24" tall.

When my family got together on Christmas Day, they made tape recording of the party. My one cousin Carol (she was 7 or 8) had received a keyboard from Santa and she played the Marine Corps Hymn.

We got the tree and tape at our basecamp, set it up and played the tape.

Every year since then, I set up my little tree. It's still in the original box and all the decorations are original. Then I play that Marine Corps Hymn. As tears stream down my face, I remember the kids who weren't fortunate enough to make it home alive.

SEMPER FI, Brother.

Amen to that.

I have a little bitty "Charlie Brown" type tree with one ornament. The ornament is my then seven year old niece's version of the Eagle Globe and Anchor.

It still looks awesome.

Semper Fi Bro

G

[imatt88]

Love that poem! I served with Marines in Afghanistan back in '05-06. I have a deep respect for the Devil Dogs

Christmas Day 2005, I was on ECP duty at FOB Sharana in Afghanistan...

I salute all my brothers and sisters in uniform all over the world. Merry Christmas to all

Cheers, Ian