I don't normally forward stuff "to everybody I know", but this moved
me to tears and I wanted to share with the list. No further comment from me
is needed; it speaks for itself.

        D

        - - - - - - - - - -
> To all of the soldiers I know...provided by one of your comrades. Thanks
> to
> you all and Happy Holidays.
>
> "All Is Secure"
>
> T'was 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 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 round 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, my corps."
>
> The soldier rolled over
> And soon 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."
>
> 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 favor of sending this to as
> many people as you can?
>
> Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our U.S.
> service men and women for 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.
>
>
>