"Merry Christmas, My Friend"

'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.

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 kinds, a sobering thought soon came to my mind. For this house was different, so dark and dreary, the home of a soldier, now I could see clearly.

The solider lay sleeping, silent, and 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 around 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 I started to cry.

The solider 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 solider rolled over and drifted off to 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.

I didn’t want to leave him so quiet in the night, this guardian of honor so willing to fight. The soldier rolled over, and whispered with a voice 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 goodnight.

Written By Marine Lance Corporal James M. Schmidt