A Soldiers Silent Night

As recorded by Father Ted Berndt, a priest at Bread of Life Charismatic Episcopal Church in Dousman, Wisconsin, a proud Marine and a WWII Purple Heart recipient and my Dad.

The poem's author, James M. Schmidt, was a Lance Corporal stationed in Washington, D.C., when he wrote the poem back in 1986.

"The true story is that while a Lance Corporal serving as Battalion Counter Sniper at the Marine Barracks 8th & I, Washington, D.C., under Commandant P.X. Kelly and Battalion Commander D.J. Myers (in 1986), I wrote this poem to hang on the door of the gym in the BEQ. When Colonel Myers came upon it, he read it and immediately had copies sent to each department at the Barracks and promptly dismissed the entire Battalion early for Christmas leave. The poem was placed that day in the Marine Corps Gazette, distributed worldwide and later submitted to Leatherneck Magazine."

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• christmas
• friend
• merry
• my
• night
• silent
• soldier
• soldiers
• thankful

[biggiobabe]

I received this as a written poem recently, and heard this version on the radio this evening. It creates a lump in my throat to hear it, but also an enormous sense of thanks and gratitude for those who are risking their lives to keep me and my loved ones safe. God Bless our Military and their families now and always. I wish all of them a Merry Christmas from one thankful American ! Love to all of you, and so proud of all your service and sacrificies!

[Mephistopheles13]

@evagalarza

Though I about to get out, this will always be a reminder of who I am and who I once was. Blessed be and happy yule

[sreder6415]

very nice love what you did here means a lot to those who have family over seas

[evagalarza]

Again the time is approach I salute u one all thank-you for ur service Season Greetings Happy Thanksgiving and may your Christmas be filled with love peace and joy come home safe and sound I and family await for all are soldiers to return home u r distant family members for my family has and is in service so that make all the soldiers family and friends my prays and blessing be w u So Mote Be...)o( Semper Fi... USMC/ARMY

[stevent222]

Hoping that you all have had a Merry Christmas my brothers over there.

[wiccanicewolf]

Beautiful. Makes me think of my brother in law and my brother. Happy Holidays everyone.

[williedenver]

really touches your heart,merry christmas

[gabrielmolnar]

Semper Fi

[brit835]

this get me every time

[Suschak06]

As a Marine that was not home on christmas this song always gets me...

Semper Fi