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As this poem, which was written by a Marine in Okinawa, has been pirated by the Army, it's time to get the original back out there.

'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 away lands.
With medals and badges,
Awards of all kinds,
A sober thought
Came to my mind.
For this house was different,
It was dark and dreary.
But inside I found a Marine,
Once I saw clearly.
The Marine lay sleeping,
Silent and alone.
Curled up on the floor
In this one bedroom home.
The face was so gentle,
The room so serene,
Not how I pictured
A US Marine.
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 Marines,
Willing to fight.
Soon round the world,
Children would play,
And grownups would celebrate
A bright Christmas day.
They all enjoyed freedom
Each month of the year,
Because of Marines,
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 Marine awakened
and I heard a rough voice,
"Santa don't cry,
this life is my choice,
I fight for freedom,
and don't ask for more.
My life is my God,
my Country, my Corps."
The Marine 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 there,
'Er the cold nights chill.
I didn't want to leave
That cold, dark night,
This guardian of honor
So willing to fight.
The Marine again rolled over,
With a voice soft and pure,
Whispered," Carry on Santa,
Christmas day, all's secure."
One look at my watch,
And I knew he was right.
"Merry Christmas my friend,
And to all a good night."

Semper Fi and Merry Christmas!