With my gratitude to the troops who sacrifice their lives to bring peace to this world of ours. This poem refers to US soldiers but I think you can replace that with any country of your choosing. Wishing all troops a very safe and happy Holiday season.

A SOLDIER'S CHRISTMAS 

'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 little house lived.
 

As I looked all about, a strange sight I did see,
No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
 

No Stockings 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 sobering thought came through my mind.
 

For this house was different, it was dark and dreary,
 The home of a soldier, I could now 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 picture 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 wondering 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 one knee and started to cry.
 

The soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice,
"Santa don't cry, for 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,
as 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.

                        ~ Author Unknown *~

Fabulous Cathy . We do indeed owe a huge debt of grattitude to all  those men and women who stand between us and the night . I'm a simple man and dont always understand the complexities of the different conflicts which blight our world . I do know this , that irrespective of mine or anybody else's beliefs or polotics we should honour the men and women who fight in our name . In a time when these brave souls are pushed to breaking point and starved of the basic requirements needed to do their already difficult job properly , when the care that they recieve on returning home is all too often lacking the very least we can do is acknowledge their bravery and sacrifice .

             To all those who rsk their lives in the defence of me and mine I offer you a heartfelt thank you .

Thank you Cathy. That poem is very thaught provoking.

To all our soldiers fighting abroad. Thank you. I hope you have a safe and Happy Christmas. And for the new year? Let us hope that the fight will be over and you ALL return safely to your families and loved ones.

I am not ashamed to tell you tears came to me,

Thank you for the chance to say Thank You to those who protect us day in and day out..

 I remeber the year during the Gulf War when I participated in "Dear Abby's" (newspaper column advisor) Operation Christmas for the guy's over in the Gulf area and I sent out all kinds of crocheted "snowflakes" because I knew it was something they would not have over there at that time of the year..I was surprised to get back an nice letter telling me each guy (nearly an whole company of men) had placed his name on an "snowflake" and made an tree that year for them, to remind them of home. I took old snowflake crotched table cloths, and cut out the flakes, and resewed them along the edges. I mean I sent an box and then some. I remember when my own hubby was in Vietnam and I sent an huge huge box of decorated cookies and goodies, I heard from the guys that year also, they sent me an picture of them with big smiles muching on cookies. In this case I thought they could keep the unbreakable snowflakes in their wallet if need be for when they get back home as an rememberance. It is hard sometimes to take stuff with you if your "moving" about as an solidier.