A SOLDIER'S SILENT NIGHT

'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 kind,a sobering thought soon came to my mind. For this house was different, unlike any I'd seen. This was the home of a U.S. Marine.

I'd heard stories about them, I had to see more, so I walked down the hall and pushed open the door. And there he lay sleeping, silent, alone, curled up on the floor in his one-bedroom home.

He seemed so gentle, his face so serene, not how I pictured a U.S. Marine. Was this the hero, of whom I'd just read? Curled up in his poncho, a floor for his bed?

His head was clean-shaven, his weathered face tan. I soon understood, this was more than a man. For I realized the families that I saw that night owed their lives to these men, who were willing to fight.

Soon around the Nation, the children would play, and grown-ups would celebrate on a bright Christmas Day. They all enjoyed freedom, each month and all year, because of Marines like this one lying here.

I couldn't help wonder how many lay alone, on a cold Christmas Eve, in a land far from home. Just the very thought brought a tear to my eye. I dropped to my knees and I started to cry.

He must have awoken, for 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."

With that he rolled over, drifted off into 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. So I took off my jacket, the one made of red, and covered this Marine from his toes to his head. Then I put on his T-shirt of scarlet and gold, with an Eagle, Globe, and Anchor emblazoned so bold. And although it barely fit me, I began to swell with pride, and for one shining moment, I was Marine Corps deep inside.

I didn't want to leave him so quiet in the night, this guardian of honor so willing to fight. But half asleep he rolled over, and in a voice clean and pure, said "Carry on, Santa, it's Christmas Day, all secure." One look at my watch and I knew he was right..."Merry Christmas my friend. Semper Fi and goodnight."

written by James M. Schmidt (Cpl, U. S. Marine Corps-ret'd)

A video of the poem may be viewed at - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTxFaTEePV4# - Please be sure to read how Cpl. Schmidt came to write this beautiful poem and of the World War Two U. S. Marine Corps Veteran who lends voice to these moving words.

May God bless, strengthen, and comfort all our Troops and Veterans this Christmas......and always.

Don't Forget to Give Thanks for the Troops Standing Watch

May God bless them, one and all.
(h/t to Castle Argghhh)

NEVER FORGET

PLEASE NEVER FORGET.........THERE ARE ONLY 2 LIFE FORCES WHO HAVE OFFERED TO DIE FOR YOU.........JESUS CHRIST AND THE AMERICAN MILITARY.

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NOVEMBER 11th --- NEVER FORGET

In Flanders' fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place, and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders' fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe.

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders' fields.

--- Lt. Col. Dr. John McCrae,

Queen's Own Rifles, Canadian Expeditionary Force.

Never forget that we must never break faith with those who die.

NOVEMBER 10TH, 1775 --- HAPPY BIRTHDAY, USMC!

On this 235th birthday of the United States Marine Corps, we remember that the men and women who wear the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor are men and women of God, country, honour, duty, and commitment. In short, Marines exemplify, and live, a code of conduct to which all Americans should aspire.



May God continue to bless all Marines and Veterans of the United States Marine Corps.

"No better friend. No worse enemy."

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY, AMERICA!

Today, we celebrate the 234th anniversary of the United States of America from Great Britain. There is no better way to celebrate than listening to a reading of the document that helped to forge the creation of the greatest country on Earth, read by then Senator John F. Kennedy:



May God bless the United States of America, her Troops, and her Veterans!

CANADA DAY, 2010 --- THE MAPLE LEAF FOREVER

Queen Victoria granted Royal assent to the British North America Act on March 29, 1867. This act created the Dominion of Canada, which meant that Canada was no longer merely a colony of the British Empire, and defined the structure for the Government of Canada...including its Federal structure, the House of Commons, the Senate, the Justice system, and the taxation system. The original Provinces at the time of Confederation were New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Quebec, and Ontario; which united the former areas known as Upper and Lower Canada. Today, there are 10 Provinces and the three Territories of Northwest Territories, Yukon, and Nunavut.


The British North America Act came into effect on July 1st, 1867. Although the form of the new Government of Canada was greatly influenced by that of the United States of America, the Fathers of Confederation decided to retain a monarchial form of the Parliamentary system with the reigning Sovereign of the United Kingdom as its' Head of State.






After 142 years, one major rebellion in 1884, a Constitutional Crisis in 1926, the establishment of martial law (under the only peactime usage of the War Measures' Act) during the FLQ crisis in 1970, an ongoing Constitutional Crisis since 1982 due to the Province of Quebec refusing to sign the current Constitution of Canada known as the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and our Military fighting first as part of the British Empire until the establishment of the Canadian Armed Forces.........after all this, and much much more, we celebrate July 1st as Canada Day and take pride in our traditions of being a part of the British Commonwealth of Nations and of our continued close ties with our closest friend and Military, political, and economical ally, the United States of America.


God save the Queen and may God bless Canada!