'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.

God bless those who are protecting our freedom!

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 of favor by sending this to as many people as you can. Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due our U.S. service men and woman 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 seed.

Author Unknown