Sorry if this has already been posted, but it is one of my favorites.
And I would like to wish a Merry Christmas to are armed service men and woman around the world. And to a speedy and healthy return to their loved ones.

Christmas Poem

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 is 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 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 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."

Aww, Dali, noon'es responded to your post, so I thought I would, so you didn't feel left out. Yes, this was posted, I think by Binarian. It is something to think about, all these soldiers fighting a battle they had nothing to do with, risking their lives, and missing their families, to keep us safe. They are heroes, just like all the men/women that served and continue to serve.

Hey Dali, my dad is stationed on a camp comprised mainly of Marines. He speaks very highly of the Marines....says he would rather have Marines give them (my dad and other tanker drivers in Iraq) the military convoy over the Army or Air Force. He says the Army and AF have to call and get permission to fire.....the Marines call noone.....shoots first and asks questions later if they feel they are threatened or are fired on.

My brother also is a Marine...stationed on the "big island" of Hawwaii.