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Friday, December 12, 2008

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!

18 comments:

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

What a beautiful poem... I have to admit I shed a few tears..I'll definetly be praying for all that have served and are serving and their families...
Your Santa and Nutcrackers are darling... I know I'm over the top with snowmen/women...lol.. I'm sure your hubby will appreciate you having another collection if you decide to start adding snowmen/women.. :-) .. glad to be of service...lol..hugs ~lynne~

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

What a wonderful post! I love those nutcrackers! I have seen that poem, and I loved reading it again. So touching! Thank you for posting that. My husband survived Viet Nam, and I do keep those who are serving in the military in my prayers. laurie

Sue said...

Bless your heart. What amazing patriotic decor.

Kristen said...

I have not seen this poem...thanks for sharing it...wow youreally do have a lot of stuff

Justabeachkat said...

You know I love Santas, so I'm drooling over yours. I've read that poem before and it touches me every single time.

I hope you're enjoying the Holidays.

BTW...I did a post on how my Mom and I made our cinnamon stick Santas. Stop by when you can.

Hugs!
Kat

Stephanie ~ Angelic Accents said...

Serious can be good ~ we all need a dose of it ever so often.

I'm gonna zap you some pics of what I was doin' at 1am !!

Big TX Hugs,
Stephanie
Angelic Accents

Kat said...

I have seen this poem before and it never ceases to touch me. It is important to stop and remember those who are struggling far from home in order to keep all of us safe. Thanks for this post. Kathy

Theresa @ Take A Sentimental Journey said...

I have never seen this poem.It was wonderful ! Thank you sweetie !

Scooterblu's Whimsy~Rhonda said...

Beautiful post and tribute! ...and beautiful patriotic decor! ~hugs, Rhonda :)

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Hi Tar...Thanks for reminding me that I am having this wonderful Christmas thanks to those men and women who are not able to be with their families during this holiday season...Debbie

Andi said...

Your patriotic Santa is wonderful and of course I love your nutcrackers!

My Dad served in the Pacific during WWII and my oldest brother served 3 combat tours in Vietnam...how I remember my Mom's worrying about her boy during that time. I've seen the poem you've posted before and it's always touching to re-read. Wonderful post.

tam said...

Very nice post! I think we all should remember those who have made it possible for us all in this beautiful country we live in to freely practice religion of our choice and for some of us celebrate Christmas! I enjoyed your post-as always-and of course more of your holidy collections! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
~Smiles~Tam!

Belle (from Life of a...) said...

I really like the patriotic ornaments. I have a patriotic caroler and just a couple of ornaments but they're among my favorites.

Anonymous said...

Very touching. I have read it before but I can't right now. It's hard with my son bein' gone as it is for many, many others. God bless them all and God bless you for reminding every one of us how much they sacrifice for us. Thank you

Kathy said...

A perfect and timely post. Love your patriotic Christmas decorations!

Merry Christmas...Kathy

MIMILEE said...

Beautiful Post!

Merry Christmas to you!!

Miss Janice said...

What a wonderful post. I loved the poem and those patriotic decorations are just darling!

Dee said...

its good to remember. thanks. I love your patriotic santas and Nutcrackers!