the young man sat looking at his kid brother and baby sister while mom and dad handed out the christmas gifts santa had dropped by.the look of joy filled their face as each present was opened.he watched as mom and dad looked at the gifts left lying under the tree.tears filled their eyes and the father held the mothers trembling hand.after a short time,just before they sat at the table,set for 5,the parents took pictures of the two children then all sat down.the kids filled theur plates and chanted of the great christmas cheers.the young man watched,a longing in his heart.he watched not only the laughter and cheers but he noticed also the unopened packages and unused plate.'mom,dad,he said.no reason for the tears,im here as i promised,here on christmas day.no one heard his plea no one looked at him standing there in a tattered uniform soiled with mud and blood.he continued to watch through out the nite till a bright light from the bedroom came.he entered the bedroom with its brilliant light .it was filled with music and everything so bright.before him stood a man in all white and a beard.merry christmas,said the man.the younger man looked into the older mans face and suddenly he was filled with a joyouse feeling.thanks for the last visit to my family sir,and happy birthday.
IM NO POET BUT THINKING OF OUR BOYS SERVING AND BEING A MARINE I HAD TO SAY SOMETHING TO SALUTE THEM AND THIS IS WHAT MY HEART DIRECTED ME TO SAY.THOUGH I LEFT THE CORPS A FEW YEARS AGO,IM STILL A MARINE AND MY HEART GOES OUT TO THE SOLDIER.ESPECIALLY MY FRIEND MIKE.THIS WAS DEDICATED ESPECIALLY FOR YOU MY FRIEND,MAY YOU REST IN PEACE KNOWING YOU DID YOUR BEST.WE LOVE YOU MAN.
