This year has certainly been a weird one and a wild ride…but here we are again with the SUPP UP. Christmas Countdown.

Getting into the Christmas spirit is the goal this December, and this year in particular I think an effort should be made even more.

With all the gifts and care packages already going to the men and women who are deployed in the armed forces, it’s time to boost the Christmas spirit even more with something I’m sure you’re familiar with.

As always, there’s a little Christmas gift from me to you at the end of this post – something I’m sure you or someone in your family will enjoy.

Countdown to Christmas 2020
Part 1:
Merry Christmas, My Friend. –
A Marine’s Poem.

In 1986, a Marine, Former Lance Corporal James M. Schmidt, stationed at Marine Barracks, Washington D.C., wrote a poem that would eventually make it into Leatherneck Magazine, in December 1991 – a poem which eventually was altered and tweaked for an Army and Navy version.

Below is that poem. Enjoy.

Merry Christmas, My Friend.

Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,
In a one bedroom house made of plaster & stone.

I had come down the chimney, with presents to give
and to see just who in this home did live

As I looked all about, a strange sight I did see,
no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stocking by the fire, just boots filled with sand.
On the wall hung pictures of a far distant land.

With medals and badges, awards of all kind,
a sobering thought soon came to my mind.
For this house was different, unlike any I’d seen.
This was the home of a U.S. Marine.

I’d heard stories about them, I had to see more,
so I walked down the hall and pushed open the door.
And there he lay sleeping, silent, alone,
Curled up on the floor in his one-bedroom home.

He seemed so gentle, his face so serene,
Not how I pictured a U.S. Marine.
Was this the hero, of whom I’d just read?
Curled up in his poncho, a floor for his bed?

His head was clean-shaven, his weathered face tan.
I soon understood, this was more than a man.
For I realized the families that I saw that night,
owed their lives to these men, who were willing to fight.

Soon around the Nation, the children would play,
And grown-ups would celebrate on a bright Christmas day.
They all enjoyed freedom, each month and all year,
because of Marines like this one lying here.

I couldn’t help wonder how many lay alone,
on a cold Christmas Eve, in a land far from home.
Just the very thought brought a tear to my eye.
I dropped to my knees and I started to cry.

He must have awoken, for 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.”

With that he rolled over, drifted off into sleep,
I couldn’t control it, I continued to weep.

I watched him for hours, so silent and still.
I noticed he shivered from the cold night’s chill.
So I took off my jacket, the one made of red,
and covered this Marine from his toes to his head.
Then I put on his T-shirt of scarlet and gold,
with an eagle, globe and anchor emblazoned so bold.
And although it barely fit me, I began to swell with pride,
and for one shining moment, I was Marine Corps deep inside.

I didn’t want to leave him so quiet in the night,
this guardian of honor so willing to fight.
But half asleep he rolled over, and in a voice clean and pure,
said “Carry on, Santa, it’s Christmas Day, all secure.”
One look at my watch and I knew he was right,
Merry Christmas my friend, Semper Fi and goodnight.

Nothing like That Christmas feeling…

Check back next week for another rendition of this Christmas poem – and click the image below to get ‘Merry Christmas, My Friend – A Marine’s Poem’ for someone special, serving or retired. This poster is available framed or unframed. Click here to get yours in time for the holidays (last orders by December 12th for standard shipping and December 15th for express shipping – please note, additional charges apply for express shipping)!

Merry Christmas!

Remember all the men and women of not only our armed forces, but of other nations that can’t be home with their friends and family this Christmas.

If you know someone that doesn’t have family or isn’t able to spend Christmas with others, get them to join you.

Stop doing guesswork, start making the necessities of your life easier.

SUPP UP. – Get your copy now.

If You Know How To Fuel and Train Your Body, Where You Are Matters Less.™

– SUPP UP.

Countdown to Christmas 2020, Part 1: Merry Christmas, My Friend. – A Marine’s Poem. is a post from and appeared first on SUPP UP.