[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 158 (Wednesday, November 10, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2330]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING AMERICA'S ARMED SERVICES DURING THE HOLIDAYS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT E. ANDREWS

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 9, 1999

  Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, I submit for the Record a spectacular 
rendition of the timeless holiday tale, ``Twas the Night Before 
Christmas.'' This holiday season I encourage all of us to remember the 
men and women of our country's armed services who work twenty-four-
hours a day, seven days a week to guarantee our safety and the safety 
of our beloved children. May they know how much we appreciate their 
sacrifices for freedom.

                    'Twas the Night Before Christmas

          (By an American Marine stationed in Okinawa, Japan)

     '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 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,
     one I could see clearly.

     The soldier lay sleeping,
     slient, alone,
     curled up on the floor
     in this one bedroom home.

     The face was so gentle,
     the room in such disorder,
     now 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 grown-ups would celebrate
     a bight 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.''

     

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