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Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Merry Christmas to Our Heroes





Each year that goes by, I become more aware of just how precious our freedom is, and how fragile. All that stands between us and a free America being only a distant memory are brave men and women who risk their lives for all of us. Thank you to all of our Heroes in Iraq, Afghanistan, and numerous places far from home. Thank you for those that have gone before. You are all in our hearts and prayers, and we are very, very proud of all of you. Merry Christmas.

Pam

Below are messages from Soldiers' Angels and others who wanted to send their holiday wishes to our Heroes.



Merry Christmas to all our brave Men and Women far away and close to home who put on the uniform and stand for us.

Stay Safe
We all love you and are so Proud of your work.

Love
Patti Patton-Bader
Founder, Soldiers' Angels


I would like to extend my Christmas greetings to all our brave men and women overseas who continue to defend freedom in the war on terror.

It must be difficult for all to be so far away from family, especially this time of year. But, please know that you are thought of often and by many. The sacrifices of each and everyone of you make are truly appreciated.

You are all in my prayers now and always. May God bless each and everyone of you, and may He bring you home to your families safe and sound soon.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Kristin B

Fremont, CA

I just wanted to send holiday wishes to all of you, and express my unending gratitude, appreciation and support for your hard work and dedication to our Country and our freedom. You are all my heroes; thank you for keeping us safe.

Rosalynn Christian
Soldiers' Angel - Irving, TX

My very brave soldiers, you are in my prayers every night. I thank you for everything you're doing, so we are safe. My heart loves you for that always.

Veronika





Dear Troops,
Thank you so much for working so incredibly hard to make the world a better place. May you and your families be blessed for your service and sacrifice.

God Speed,
Helen S.
Park City, Utah


To our Wounded Heroes:

Dear American Hero,

You've bravely and proudly carried the burden

of defending this country. And for that, there are

no words to express our gratitude.

Because of you, this country remains the

greatest nation on Earth!

On behalf of each proud citizen, please

accept our deepest gratitude for your heroism

and valor. We remember all you've done for each

of us, and we are grateful.

We hope this small token will bring cheer into your

Christmas by letting you know that we are thinking

of you and your comrades.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Merry Christmas! Happy New Year!


Kathryn M.
Omaha, NE
Soldier’s Angels


Thank you for all that you do. Your hard work, and sacrifices are very appreciated. You all make help make this country the best.

Joanne







I want to wish you Happy Holidays! Thanks for everything and come home soon. Stay safe.

Cheryl

Dearest Service Member,

From the bottom of my heart I wish you a safe and quiet Christmas Day! I hope things are so dull you're bored! :) God bless you and know that all of your family, friends, and people you don't even know love and miss you. We prayer for you daily!

God bless you!
Carol D.
Soldiers' Angels


Dear Soldiers,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Have a blessed Christmas season and enjoy your New Years spirit! May happy times, laughs, and special memories lighten your days. Your safety is on my list to Santa. And I've been a good girl this year, so Santa's not giving me coal.

Sincerely,
Maggie






Hi,
My name is Cindie W---- from Kansas, and I just wanted to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!! Hope the best for you all :)

Take care,
Cindie W---- & Family


I wish you a Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukkah, a Happy whatever holiday you are celebrating. May you soon be home with your loved ones. And I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your sacrifices you have made to help keep this great country of ours free.

Marcie C.
one of the Soldiers Angels

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I want to thank you for serving our country and for making it safe for us here at home. Hope you get to come home soon. My husband and I are so very proud of you for what you do.

Merry Christmas
De Etta and Jerry from Nebraska







HELLO TO ALL YOU GUYS AND GALS, THIS IS YOUR OHIO FRIEND WISHING EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU'NS A MERRY CHRISTMAS, I TRULY LOVE EACH AND AM PRAYING FOR EACH. I AM HERE IF ANYONE AT ALL NEEDS ME, JUST WRITE IF YOU CAN,OTHERWISE I WILL CONTINUE TO PRAY.GOD BLESS ALL.
YOUR OHIO FRIEND
AUDIS


Christmas Greetings to all the great Servicemen and Women In Iraq!
God bless and keep you all safe and give you many blessings in 2008 !
Thank you for all you do each day for your country.

Sincerely,
Barbara M.
Soldiers' Angel from NY


HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
hope y'all are safe, warm n healthy.
our thoughts n prayers are with y'all.
merry merry n take care,

~tae
Soldier / Marine Angel






Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays!
Any way you celebrate this season, know that we are thinking of you, wishing you the very best. YOU are the best. Great job, and we will welcome you home when you can get here.

Thank You, and we love all of you.

Jean E. and Family (soldiersangels.org)


Dear Troops,

Just wanted to thank you for your continued sacrifice and service to our country. I put the flag out every day and ask for God's protection for each and every one of you. Not a day goes by that I don't think of you and thank God for your bravery.

For all the Christmases yet to come,
For the soldiers who stand fast,
Please join me sending Heavenward,
A prayer for peace at last.

Merry Christmas and God Bless You!

Catherine M.
Soldier's Angel
Stockton, California


Dear Soldier,

We want to thank you for the sacrifices you are making. We appreciate all you are doing. We wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Laurie & Steve

Renton, WA







Dearest Troops,

You've been doing the impossible all year so I know you are going to find a way to have a great holiday season. Merry Christmas or Merry-whatever-you-may-celebrate. And as always, THANKS for all that you do.

All our best,
The Rickels of Highland, MI


Dear Soldier,

I want to thank you for your Christmas gift....

I know it is only for your allegiance to keep our country safe from harm, that I am allowed to treasure my freedom without a care. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't stop to think of your's and your family's incredible sacrifices for me. At this special time of year, I hope you know that I am not alone in being grateful for the career choice that you made. I admire you more then you know. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. May Christmas Day be joyous...may it bring you a day like none other. I will be thinking of you...

Merry Christmas Brave Heart! May the coming year be filled be all the things you dream of.

God Bless you and your family and thank you for the wonderful gift of FREEDOM!
Donna P.
Rockport, Texas


A very special Merry Christmas and Happy holidays to all of the true heroes from the USA .

Barbara T.
Hugs and kisses to all of you.





To all of our wonderful Troops serving our country, I just want to wish all of you a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and hope to see you come home soon. I pray for all of you and you are always on my mind. I have a son that was in Afghanistan 16 months and only God and prayers helped me thru those long months. God Bless all of you and never forget that there are a lot of proud Americans waiting to greet you when you come home.

Martha F.
Proud American Mom,

Odessa, Texas

MY FAMILY AND I WOULD LIKE TO WISH ALL OF OUR TROOPS A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS.WE WOULD ALSO LIKE TO LET YOU ALL KNOW THAT YOU ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS EVERY DAY.THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR HARD WORK, TIME AND MANY SACRIFICES. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES.

LOVE
THE DAVIS FAMILY


Happy Holidays to all the wonderful Heroes out there!!!! May peace and joy be yours now and throughout the coming year. May God bless and protect you until you come home to your families.

If I had a million dollars, I'd send you all whatever your hearts desired. But since I'm not, I'll do the next best thing-I'll have a great big snowman built in your honor, and I'll keep a candle burning until you all come home and I will say a lot of prayers. You are all so very awesome.

Thank you for all you have given so that we back home can celebrate this glorious season as we choose with our families. Your bravery, courage and selflessness is commendable. You have made me proud to be an American.

Lots of love, hugs and cheer from a Soldiers' Angel in Western NY-
Bonnie S.








To All of Our Troops:
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!

You are in our thoughts and prayers daily, and we are forever grateful for your
service to our country.

A Soldiers Angel Family in Virginia


Hi my name is Kris A. and I'm a Soldier's Angel from Riverside, Rhode Island. I wanted to let you know, brave hero, that you are in my thoughts and my prayers each and every single day. I cannot thank you enough for everything that you have done, given and sacrificed for this great country, me and my family, and our SWEET PRECIOUS Freedom. Were it not for you and brave heroes like yourself this great country could never, would never exist. It is YOU that makes our way of life possible and I cannot thank you enough.

Extra prayers, support and loads of extra Angel Hugs are being sent your way this Holiday Season. Wish I could hug each and every one of you and tell you in person how much your service means to me. God bless you brave warrior. God bless each and every hero defending us today, God bless each and every wounded warrior and their families who continue to sacrifice so very much and God bless the families of the heroes who have paid the ultimate price for us. None shall ever be forgotten. God bless America.

Happy Holidays and a Happy - SAFE - New Year to you. All of my respect, admiration and gratitude to you all.

Kris A., Riverside RI


Wherever you are....know that you are not forgotten!! You are all in our thoughts this holiday and every single day!! Though you are far from home, I am sure that everyone around the United States sends their hugs, support and love!

Have a great Christmas and a WONDERFUL NEW YEAR OF 2008!!!
Be Safe, Be Well,
Marty in Proctor Minnesota







Just a note of thanks, doesn’t seem enough to express my feelings for what you are doing for us here at home. God Bless.

Janice O.
Riverside, CA


This message is being sent with my warmest best wishes to all you brave heroes taking care of business for these great United States. May this season find you well and may you have the inner peace that is bestowed so magically at this season. Stay safe and thank you, thank you, thank you! All my best to you and yours in the coming New Year!

Soldiers Angel Debbie J.
Overland Park, Kansas


Our family would like to wish a very Merry Christmas and a great New Year to all of our soldiers.We are very proud and thankful for the many sacrifices they so willingly make on our behalf. You are all a true American hero.May God bless each and everyone of you.
Michele and Farrel W.
San Saba, Texas







Dear American Heroes,
Thank you so much for everything you do for us everyday. There are no words to express the great amount of love and respect I have for you all. I hope that you all have the happiest of holidays and a healthy 2008.

With love and respect,
Jessica S.
Soldiers Angels California


Sending best wishes and much gratitude to our deployed men and women during the holiday season. We are always so appreciative of your service and know that many extra sacrifices are required by both deployed family members and their family when a deployment requires being far from home over the holidays. You are all in our hearts and thoughts, thank you and stay safe.

Sara
Proud Army Mom and Soldiers Angel

May no soldier go unloved.
May no soldier walk alone.
May no soldier be forgotten,
Until they all come home.


We are always worried about all the soldiers. I would like to say happy holidays to all our men and women and wish them all the very best in the coming years and that each year gets better for all of our soldiers.. I pray for all that are away and I will keep on praying until every Son and Daughter returns home. My prayers will continue forever for all the soldiers that have been wounded and that each day gets better for all.

Our hearts and thanks goes out to each and everyone of our heroes and their families..WE LOVE ALL OF YOU!!!!!!! Thank you all for keeping my grandchildren safe.

May GOD Bless You ALL...

Sincerely
Carolyn C.








Hey guys, just wanted to say we appreciate everything you do for us and thank you for bravery, Merry Christmas to you and all your families

Greetings dear American Soldier...... so far from our shores..... Soldiers Angels are saying a prayer for your safety and rapid return to the arms of your loved ones. Merry Christmas.... Happy New Year.....

Stay safe and God Bless....

Fay,
Soldiers Angel


To all our armed services away from home during the holidays:

Each gift we open during the holidays is wrapped with the freedom you so defend.
Each mouthful of dinner is the fruit of your selfless efforts and sacrifices.
We thank and remember you, during the holidays and always.

Be safe. Come home soon.
Hope R. and Family








I WANTED TO WISH EACH ONE OF YOU A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR WITH MUCH LOVE, RESPECT FROM ME AND MY FAMILY TO YOU AND YOURS

BILLIE


Thank you for serving our country. We pray for your safe return home soon and want to wish you a Merry Christmas. May God bless you and keep you safe.

Trudie and Bob P.
Pennsylvania


Thank you for all you do! May God Bless you & your families as you serve our beautiful nation. Merry Christmas you are in our thoughts in prayers year round!

Sara S. & Ty R.
Kountze, TX








You all are in our thoughts and prayers everyday. May the Good Lord keep each of you safe always. My family and I send Christmas wishes to you and say THANK YOU for your service to our country and your dedication to the fight for freedom.

With sincere gratitude,
Susan M.


Merry Christmas and Happy Hannukah To All Our Military

Just a message of love and encouragement to our deployed Hero's and Shero's. You are much thought of and prayed for throughtout the year from all of us citizens here stateside. Know we love you and we appreciate all you do for us. Stay safe, keep your helmet on and kick more terrorist butt.

With Love-
Carol B. and Family
Greenwood, SC


To All Soldiers,
I want to wish you a Merry Christmas , and a Happy New year.....I pray that you stay safe, are victorious, and come home proud soon. Thank you for your service, and your sacrifices. God bless, and good luck.

Sincerely,
John Dean (SA)








Merry Christmas To All of Our Brave Soldiers,

Thank you so very much for your amazing bravery and dedication to our wonderful country. My family is deeply touched by the great sacrifices you brave soldiers are willing to make for your homeland. My family and all Americans are so proud and so Blessed to live in this USA where very courageous soldiers like all of you make it possible for our families to experience the freedoms that we do. Always remember you are all truly American heroes! America is so very proud of you, America loves you! May God Bless and protect you and your families.

Merry Christmas!
Debbie S. and Family


Thank you for making this and every holiday special for us back home who are waiting for your arrival. You are all loved and missed and all Heroes to us back home.
Happy Holidays Our Dear Precious Gifts From Above.

The Smith-Mullens Family
Indiana Soldier's Angels


Thank you for all you've done and the sacrifices you have made to keep us safe. It's hard being away from friends and family during the holidays, but please know that you will be in our hearts and prayers. You are a true hero.

Merry Christmas!
Scott and Becky P.








I would like to take the time to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your service to our country. Thank you for protecting us Americans so we can sleep safely at night while you are working 24 hours a day. May you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. And I pray that you all have a safe homecoming to all of your friends and family.

Thank you and Merry Christmas from our family,
Travis, Leslie, Sara, Cameron, Matthew and Christine


Dear Brave Men and Women!

We Americans Love and Pray for all of you. You are remembered with all due respect and Love this Holiday Season. If many of us could, we would come there to celebrate with You and take care of you this Holiday season.

God Bless you to keep you Safe, Healty and Happy! I ask God to get you home soon and safetly.

Lots of Love and Happiest of Holidays,

Love,
Donna


To Our Noble Military

May this special time of year bless you and your family and bring you comfort while apart.

May the Creator of all things place His hand upon you and hold you near His heart. May the spirit of the season extend over the world and love replace the hatred that breeds wars. Though you may not be home, our hearts and prayers are with you wherever you are.

With deep appreciation for your great sacrifice and service, we wish you a meaningful Christmas with God's mercy on you and your family.

Soldiers' Angel Jane C.
Eaton, Colorado








MERRY CHRISTMAS,GOD BLESS AND REMEMBER GOD LOVES YOU AND SO DO I !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I pray that sometimes during the Christmas season you can find a minute to spend in quiet to speak with our Lord and Saviour. I would like to say thank you for your sacrifices, may God continue to keep you safe.

Merry Christmas
Tina R.
Vicksburg, MS


Dear Soldiers:

I want to wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Just becuase you are far away from home you are in our hearts. It is becuae of your duty and sacrifice, we Americans have the freedom that we have today.

Susan E.
Linden, NJ








Dear Ones,

We wish each of you the very best life has to offer. We hold you in our thoughts and prayers.

We fully support you all in all your efforts and wish you good health and peace.

Very sincerely,
Paul and Phyllis W.
Bartlesville, OK


Best wishes for a very Merry Christmas to all the young men and women who have served our nation and have protected me and y family. You are in our prayers.

Chris M.


Thinking about you, praying for you and appreciate EVERYTHING you are doing for our Country!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Respectfully, Linda D.
Frankfort, Kentucky








Hello Troops,

Our family wishes you a joyous Christmas and Happy New Year. Please be safe and we hope you get some time to do something you enjoy over the holidays. Thank you for serving our country.

Christine, Karen, Courtney & Bridget
Pottstown, PA


We want to Wish everyone there a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Here in Spokane, Washington,
Renee & Mark L.

HI and Merry Christmas to all our Deployed and their families,

Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your continued efforts and sacrifice for all Americans. I am a music teacher in a very small town in Maine (Appleton), and every concert here begins with students and audience all singing our National Anthem. Our Christmas concert program also acknowledges and asks for thoughts and prayers for our troops. You are not forgotten. We love you and are praying for your success and safe homecoming.

Love to you and yours,
Wendy T.








Merry Christmas!
May God bless and protect you!


Thank you for all you do everyday of the year. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope you will able to come home soon to your friends and family. Merry Christmas and I hope their will be peace in the New Year.
Be safe.

Warmly,

Donna M. C.

Hey I'm ten years old and I just wanted to support the troops and say God bless you all...and I just wanted to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy Happy New Year

XOXO
KEERA





Dear Soldiers,
My family and I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas. I wish you could all be home with your loved ones. Thank you all for doing the HARDEST job in the world - keeping our country free and safe. May your Christmas day shine with peace even if only for one day. You are all in our prayers!

Merry Christmas from us to all of you!

Soldiers' Angel Carol

To everyone serving this great country:

Happy Holidays....be safe and you are in our prayers...Happy New Year

Peace n Hugs (La pace n Abbraccia)

Ann


To our men and women in Service:

Thank you for all you do every day for our country. We wish you a very MERRY CHRISTMAS, and a New Year filled with peace for all of us. You are all heros!!

The Lattner Family
New Jersey






Hey everybody! Merry Christmas and a happy New Year! Hope everybody is having a good day today and that all of you are enjoying your holiday season in your own way!! I wish you all a beautiful, peaceful time and that you will all continue to recover and feel better every day! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the sacrifices you have endured for my freedoms! I never forget or take it for granted!! Bless you all and Happy New Year! 2008!! WOO! WOO! YEAH BABY!

TO ALL THE WONDERFUL MEN AND WOMEN WHO HAVE SERVED OUR
COUNTRY SO PROUDLY.

THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART.

MANY BLESSINGS FOR THE NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!

FROM,

ELSIE

Wishing each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas, and praying to welcome you home in the New Year!





My family and I want to wish everyone over there and stationed around the world a Very MERRY CHRISTMAS and A HAPPY NEW YEAR.

Soldier Angel Nancy V. and Family


Dear Soldiers,

I wanted to send you some holiday cheer and let you know how much i appreciate everything you all have done for our country you all are true heroes. Merry Christmas Soldiers and make it home safe.. We wish you all the best.. Happy Holidays and god bless you all..

May God watch over each and everyone of you...

Thanks,
Erica N.


Thank you for all that you do everyday over there! We appreciate you! Thank you for serving your country!

You are not forgotten!

Linda M.
Charlotte, NC






Greetings from Kansas City, Missouri! This Christmas, my family and I will be writing cards and letters to those of You who are working to protect our rights, including being able to celebrate the way we want during holiday seasons, and assisting other peoples, enriching their lives. While you may not be sitting next to your loved ones for the holidays that we all enjoy, know that there are folks who are thinking of you, and raising their glasses in your honor. Thank You All so much.

Sincerely,
A Supportive Citizen


Merry Xmas and Happy New Year to all our brave soildiers

I love each and every one of you for being so far away from home and

Protecting us!

Audrey F.


The Spisso Family sends you lots of happy thoughts and big "Angel" hugs to help bring you a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Bless New Year. Be Safe, God Bless and thank you for being our country's finest.

Brian & Vicki,
Soldiers' Angels New Jersey - USA






Merry Christmas

Thank you for all you do

MJ B.


Hi!!!!!
Just wanted to wish you a very "MERRY CHRISTMAS" and a HEALTHY, SAFE, and HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!! And to also let you know I'll be praying for you and the others in Iraq that you will be home soon.

But until then, take care, be safe and remember to keep looking "UP" to our Heavenly Father, cause HE will be all you need.

GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS And AMERICA-Please Bless OUR LORD.
Amen.....

Rose W.


Hi to all of you,

It mustn't seem much like Christmas where you are but please know that many are thinking of you and praying for your safe return to your home and family. I understand it's winter over there. I don't know what winter is like in Iraq but in Pittsburgh, PA there's snow on the ground with the promise of freezing rain, sleet, and then more snow.

I pray that wherever you are and whatever you are doing, you will still feel a little bit of Christmas in your heart. My husband is a Vietnam Vet with a Purple Heart. He cares very much for each of you and what you are doing. Thank you for all you are doing for me, my family, and our country.

Merry Christmas
Kathie





Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all of our heroes fighting in Iraq! We are very proud of you and wish you a wonderful Christmas. May God bless and watch over you and your family.

Donna & Jimmie W.
Weatherford, TX


HEY SOLDIERS,
MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE SMITH FAMILY IN PINSON ALABAMA!!!!!


I just couln't pass up the opportunity to wish you a peaceful, safe Christmas. And most of all to thank you for all you are doing for this great country. I cannot begin to understand all that you have sacraficed for me...but I can say THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. GOD BLESS YOU and I pray that you return home safely and that it will be soon.





I want you to know that I am so grateful for all you are doing for us here at home. I have you all in my prayers May God Bless and keep you all, safe until you are able to come home to us again.

Merry Christmas to each and every member of our Armed Forces. Thank you for all you do to protect and serve our country. May God watch over all of you and bring you home safe and soon.

With love
Soldiers' Angel
Donya C.


Dear American Hero. Thank you for serving our country. I wish you and your family the very best during this holiday season and for the new year.

Mary Ann B.
MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU

Happy Holidays to all of you stationed in Iraq keeping all of us here at home safe. I know how difficult it must be at this time of the year to be away from your family and friends. You are truly our heroes. Wishing you a speedy and safe return.

Diane S.
Soldiers’ Angel
Seymour, CT





Your Coming Home

In thrill I wait, you’ll soon be home
Your land, past oceans white with foam


I brave each day till our eyes meet
Your treasured heart, I miss its beat

Such want to have you close to me
Will soon come true, God let it be

When you arrive I won’t be shy
You’ll see excitement, I may cry


I’ll rush to hold my soldier tight
With all my heart and all my might

Emotions will so fill the day
I’ll be the child who loves to play


I’ll beam with pride to be with you
You are the best, no doubt, so true

The time we share will help me through
When days do come without dear you


Your coming home is all I need
Be safe my precious one, Goodspeed


©2003 Roger J. Robicheau






The following was sent by Seamus:

Christmas Poem

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.

Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.

My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.


The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the
sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.


My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.

A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.

"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"

For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..
To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
Then he sighed and he said " It's really all right,


I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."
"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at ' Pearl on a day in December,"
Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."

My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ' Nam ',
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.
I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.


Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.


I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a fox hole with little to e at.
I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..


Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."
"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."


"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son."


Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.


For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."

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.

Jeff G., USN
Iraq
[rank, last name, and specific unit and location information edited by me - Pam]








Graphics in this post came from a number of locations, among them:

Christmas-graphics-plus.com
Christmas Graphics by Pat
Christmas-Graphics.com
The Wonder of Christmas
The Christmas Corner

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