While thinking of Christmas, I can't get my mind off my most recent blog concerning two college professors attitudes towards our troops and the presents they receive from those who support their efforts. Michael Avery of Suffolk University and Thomas Walker of Iowa State University have come out in recent days blasting the gifting of our soldiers.
I have to think neither one of these educated individuals have a son or a daughter, a relative or a friend who has ever served our country. Because if they had, they'd realize the loneliness each of our soldiers realize at Holiday time. And how they long for home and for family and a sense of security....that things are all right.
A Facebook friend, Michael Ethan Endress, passed this along several days ago. Michael is stationed overseas. His family Christmas will come in June when he returns home. Perhaps the significance of postponing a family Holiday can bring some understanding of what is lost and most likely, never made up. Absence in this case has another meaning all unto itself. Perhaps from his words you can see a glimpse of what our soldiers long for and the sacrifice they make.
Twas the night before Christmas, and he lived in a crowd, in a 40 man tent, with warriors so loud. I had come into the tent with presents to give, And to see just who in this rack did live. I looked all about, and a strange sight I did see, No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree. No stockings were hung......, just boots close at hand, On the locker hung pictures of far distant lands....... He had... medals and badges and awards of all kind, And a sobering thought came into my mind.
For this place was different, it was so dark and dreary, I had found the home of a Soldier, this I could see clearly. The Soldier lay sleeping, silent and alone, curled up in his rack, dreaming of home. The face was so gentle, the barracks in such good order, but not how I pictured a United States Soldier.... Was this the hero whom I saw on TV? Defending his country so we all could be free?
I realized the families that I've seen 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 new 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 started to cry. The soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice, "Santa, don't cry, for this life is my choice." "Defend my country this day, the peace do I keep."
The soldier then rolled over and drifted to sleep, I couldn't control it, I continued to weep. I kept watch for hours so silent, so still, and we both shivered from the night's cold 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 and with a voice soft and pure, whispered, "Carry on Santa, it's Christmas ... All is Secure.
So to the Professor Walker and Avery's of the world, refrain from the dribble you've passed our way. Here is hoping that the gifts sent to our troops are at an all-time high. Because they've earned them.....
"If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out loud and not be answered"-Proverbs 21:13
YGG,
John
I have to think neither one of these educated individuals have a son or a daughter, a relative or a friend who has ever served our country. Because if they had, they'd realize the loneliness each of our soldiers realize at Holiday time. And how they long for home and for family and a sense of security....that things are all right.
 |
| The LEAST we could do is send a present |
A Facebook friend, Michael Ethan Endress, passed this along several days ago. Michael is stationed overseas. His family Christmas will come in June when he returns home. Perhaps the significance of postponing a family Holiday can bring some understanding of what is lost and most likely, never made up. Absence in this case has another meaning all unto itself. Perhaps from his words you can see a glimpse of what our soldiers long for and the sacrifice they make.
Twas the night before Christmas, and he lived in a crowd, in a 40 man tent, with warriors so loud. I had come into the tent with presents to give, And to see just who in this rack did live. I looked all about, and a strange sight I did see, No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree. No stockings were hung......, just boots close at hand, On the locker hung pictures of far distant lands....... He had... medals and badges and awards of all kind, And a sobering thought came into my mind.
For this place was different, it was so dark and dreary, I had found the home of a Soldier, this I could see clearly. The Soldier lay sleeping, silent and alone, curled up in his rack, dreaming of home. The face was so gentle, the barracks in such good order, but not how I pictured a United States Soldier.... Was this the hero whom I saw on TV? Defending his country so we all could be free?
I realized the families that I've seen 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 new 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 started to cry. The soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice, "Santa, don't cry, for this life is my choice." "Defend my country this day, the peace do I keep."
The soldier then rolled over and drifted to sleep, I couldn't control it, I continued to weep. I kept watch for hours so silent, so still, and we both shivered from the night's cold 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 and with a voice soft and pure, whispered, "Carry on Santa, it's Christmas ... All is Secure.
So to the Professor Walker and Avery's of the world, refrain from the dribble you've passed our way. Here is hoping that the gifts sent to our troops are at an all-time high. Because they've earned them.....
"If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out loud and not be answered"-Proverbs 21:13
YGG,
John
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