This house is in Tallahassee and this video should be spread far and wide to thank all of our Veterans and current members of the United States military.
Video: 2011 Christmas Lights- Thank You Troops and Veterans!
Since 1775, over 1.3 million American troops have made the ultimate sacrifice. Thank you and please visit SemperFiFund.org to help give back to those who protect our freedom.
Video: A Soldiers Silent Night / Soldier's Silent Night / Night Before Christmas Full Version 2010
Full version of A Soldiers Silent Night, read by Father Ted Brendt, a dedication to all of the men and women who serve for our freedoms, wherever they are in the world.
I have appended the end of Silent Night that was cut off from the original recording, to retain the maximum effect of the song.
Background music by Mannheim Steamroller at the Brown Christmas Light show in Stafford, Virginia - a 22,000 light, 192 channel, 4 color light display.
Visit http://www.valites.com or http;//www.staffordchristmaslights.com for more information.
Written by former Marine Corporal James M. Schmidt, in 1987 when stationed in Washington D.C., it was pounded out on a typewriter while awaiting the commading officer's Christmas holiday decoration inspection. It was originally title "Merry Christmas, My Friend", and was an instant success that reportedly brought tears to the eyes of the barrracks Commander who ordered it distributed to everyone he knew. It appeared in the barracks publication Pass in Review in December 1987 and Leatherneck Magazine in December 1991.
The poem was recorded as a tribute by Father Ted Berndt, a former Marine and Purple Heart recipient during World War II, currently residing in Dousman, Wisconsin for his daughter Ellen Stout, a Clear Channel radio personality.
Here's the original poem:
MERRY CHRISTMAS, MY FRIEND
'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.
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.
©Copyright circa 1991 by James M. Schmidt
(As printers in the December 1991 issue of the USMC magazine, Leatherneck)
Merry Christmas and God Bless America and our Troops!!
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The 21-year old Tennessean, girded in 65 pounds of armored flak jacket, a night-vision equipped helmet, grenades and several hundred rounds of ammunition reflected on that for a moment and replied, "so do I."
This is how your generous contribution TODAY will make a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in 2009 for our courageous troops:
We have hosted them at baseball games, football games, amusement parks, fishing expeditions and other activities so they can relax, enjoy themselves and know how much we appreciate their willingness to serve. 
SECOND, Freedom Alliance ships Gifts From Home" care packages to our troops serving overseas. 
Thank you for all the Christmas gift boxes. Today we are once again reminded that we are not alone and our efforts are not in vain. It is a blessing to know that we are supported, that our efforts are appreciated and that a little piece of home is just a gift box away." 
Please keep our Brave Defenders of Freedom in your thoughts and prayers. God bless you and your family and thank you for your generous and faithful support. 
