Let's not forget those who keep our country secure

Lets start this wonderful holiday season right by remembering those who are ensuring us the freedom to be able to continue to celebrate these sacred holidays. At this time of "giving" please take a moment to write a few words of thanks on a Christmas card and send it to a soldier who has paid the price of sacrificing for you, us, and all of the blessed people in this great country.  

As you do so, you might also think about the sacrifice our Father in Heaven made by sending His only begotten Son to the world, and for the sacrifice He made through his atonement to allow us the blessings and opportunities we enjoy through the gospel today.  

Send your card to:

A recovering American Soldier

c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center

6900 Georgia Avenue, NW

Washington, D.C.  20307-5001

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 the 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 into 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 I 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 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 the 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."  

- Author unknown