We remember.....

Before I start posting all of the fun stuff (decorations), I thought I'd take a moment to show you my patriotic Christmas decorations...and I only have a few! Since I collect Santas, of course, I had to have one of those...

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My husband's father, now deceased, was a veteran of the Korean war and received the Purple Heart, and various other medals. I was always amazed that he fought for our country because he immigrated here from Poland. His parents and sister were murdered in concentration camps, so I have very little information about his family for my daughter's baby book. My uncle served in and survived Vietnam. This year, I have personally known 2 soldiers, with whom I grew up, that were killed in Iraq...and one left behind a baby.

So, as we celebrate Christmas, let's remember all those that allow us to be able to enjoy the holidays with our families, and are away from their's this holiday season...not just U.S. soldiers, but those all over the world that help to keep our world safe!

This is a copy of a poem I received from the Disabled Vets in the mail, by "Anonymous". I'm sure you've all seen it 100 times before, but as we approach the holidays, let's remember those that grant us the freedom to celebrate....

'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 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 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 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."

Ok friends, I'm not going to be serious any more this year....the rest will be fun...I PROMISE!