Thursday, December 24, 2009

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year


We just wanted to take the time to say Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you. For more than a few of us and our friends, last year was a year of trials in our personal lives, yet we have been able to rejoice in many ways, and come closer together. As we go into the new year, we wish all of you to be blessed with hearts that are filled with peace and loving kindness. All of us at Informed Decision Background & Information Services, Inc. wish you a very Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

Friday, December 11, 2009

'Twas The Night Before 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 the home did live.

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 sober thought came through 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 of 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 will 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 but 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 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.



- - - this poem was written by a Marine stationed in Okinawa. Please take a moment to stop and think of our heros who sacrificed themselves for us.

Followers