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Hey - did you know if you click on the title of a thread it will take you to the first unread post since you last visited that thread?
but were afraid to ask: 
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Pretty Please - add it to our Events forum(s) and add to the calendar! >> 
1965_MGB
Jedi Warrior
Offline
‘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 mantel, just boots filled with sand, on the wall hung pictures of far distant lands, with medals and badges, awards of all kinds, I sober thought came through my mind.
For this house was different, it was dark and dreary; I found the home of a Soldier, and once I could see clearly, the Soldier lay sleeping, silent and alone, curled up on the floor of his 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 had 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 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 and 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 nights chill.
I did not want to leave on the cold, dark night, and this guardian of honor so willing to fight.
Then the Soldier rolled over, with a voice soft and pure. Whispered, “Carry on Santa, all is secure.”
One look at my watch, and I knew he was right. Merry Christmas my friends, and to all a good night.
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 mantel, just boots filled with sand, on the wall hung pictures of far distant lands, with medals and badges, awards of all kinds, I sober thought came through my mind.
For this house was different, it was dark and dreary; I found the home of a Soldier, and once I could see clearly, the Soldier lay sleeping, silent and alone, curled up on the floor of his 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 had 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 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 and 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 nights chill.
I did not want to leave on the cold, dark night, and this guardian of honor so willing to fight.
Then the Soldier rolled over, with a voice soft and pure. Whispered, “Carry on Santa, all is secure.”
One look at my watch, and I knew he was right. Merry Christmas my friends, and to all a good night.
