<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by BallisticWookie:
Twas the night before Christmas
He lived 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 mantel
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
At once I could see clearly.
The soldier lay sleeping,
silent, alone,
Curled up on the floor
In the one bedroom home.
The face was so gentle,
The room in such disorder,
Not how I'd pictured an (insert your country here) Australian Soldier.
Was this the hero of whom I'd just read ?
Curled up on a poncho
The floor for a bed.
I realised the families who I saw this night
Owed their lives to these soldiers
Who were willing to fight.
Soon round the the world the children would
play,
And grownups would celebrate a bright
Christmas Day.
The all enjoyed freedom each month of
the year
Because of the soldiers
Like the one lying here.
I could'nt 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 rought voice
"Santa, dont cry,
This like is my choice"
"I fight for freedom,
I dont ask for more,
My life is my God, my country, my Corps."
The soldier rolled over
And drifted to sleep,
I could'nt 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 Honour,
So willing to fight.
The the soldier rolled over,
With a voice soft and pure,
Whispered, "Carry on Santa,
It's Christmas Day, all is secure."
Once look at my watch,
And I knew he was right,
"Merry Christmas, my friend,
And to all a good night."
Just one last thing guys. Spare a thought for those guys over in Afghanistan, or in Peacekeeping duties in other parts of the world. Remember what they are doing, and what dangers and hardships they endure. Say a pray or just give them a thought. We owe these guys everything, and they owe us nothing. They give and risk their lives for us every time they are deployed to a crisis.
And remember, that we would never have a world like we do today if it werent for the brave and courageous men who fought and lost their lives in World War 2. Never forget them, ever.
Merry Christmas, and God bless...
Wookie 
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...... it really got to me...