Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone, in a one bedroom home made of plaster and stone. I had come down the chiminey with presents to give and to see just whom in this house did live. I looked all about, a strange sight did I see. No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree. No stocking by mantle, just boots filled with sand. On the wall hung pictures of a far distant land, with medals and badges, awards of all kinds, a sober thought came to mind. For this house was different, it was dark and dreary. I had found the home of a soldier, once I could see. The soldier lay sleeping, silent, alone, curled up on the floor in this one bedroom home. The face was so gentle, the room in 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 enjoyed freedom each month of the year, because of the soldiers, like the one lying here. I couldn't 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 soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice, "Santa don't cry, this is the life of 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, and continued to weep. I kept watch for hours, so silent and still, and we both shivered from the cold winter'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, whispered with a voice soft and pure, "Carry on Santa, It's Christmas day and all is secure." One look at my watch and I knew he was right, "Merry Christmas to All and to All a Good Night!"
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