Merry Christmas My Friend

Posted By Blackfive

Note:  This is an annual post to share one of the most powerful military Christmas poems that is also usually attributed incorrectly or changed from the original.  Enjoy.  Merry Christmas, my friends!

Most of you proably have read "Merry Christmas, My Friend" before, but have you heard it with the backdrop of Silent Night?

Here is the link to the MP3 audio version (3.5MB) of "Merry Christmas, My Friend", titled "Soldier's Silent Night" - you can either stream it or right click and save as.  It's courtesy of WLIT's Melissa Forman (thanks to Sara B. for the link).  Below is the credit from WLIT:

Written by former Marine Corporal James M. Schmidt, in 1987 when stationed in Washington D.C., it was pounded out on a typewriter while awaiting the commading officer's Christmas holiday decoration inspection.  It was originally title "Merry Christmas, My Friend", and was an instant success that reportedly brought tears to the eyes of the barrracks Commander who ordered it distributed to everyone he knew. It appeared in the barracks publication Pass in Review in December 1987 and Leatherneck Magazine in December 1991.

The poem was recorded as a tribute by Father Ted Berndt, a former Marine and Purple Heart recipient during World War II, currently residing in Dousman, Wisconsin for his daughter Ellen Stout, a Clear Channel radio personality.

Here's the original poem:

MERRY CHRISTMAS, MY FRIEND

‘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. As I looked all about, a strange sight I did see, no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree. No stocking by the fire, just boots filled with sand. On the wall hung pictures of a far distant land. With medals and badges, awards of all kind, a sobering thought soon came to my mind. For this house was different, unlike any I’d seen. This was the home of a U.S. Marine. I’d heard stories about them, I had to see more, so I walked down the hall and pushed open the door. And there he lay sleeping, silent, alone, Curled up on the floor in his one-bedroom home. He seemed so gentle, his face so serene, Not how I pictured a U.S. Marine. Was this the hero, of whom I’d just read? Curled up in his poncho, a floor for his bed? His head was clean-shaven, his weathered face tan. I soon understood, this was more than a man. For I realized the families that I saw that night, owed their lives to these men, who were willing to fight. Soon around the Nation, the children would play, And grown-ups would celebrate on a bright Christmas day. They all enjoyed freedom, each month and all year, because of Marines like this one lying here. I couldn’t help wonder how many lay alone, on a cold Christmas Eve, in a land far from home. Just the very thought brought a tear to my eye. I dropped to my knees and I started to cry. He must have awoken, for 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.” With that he rolled over, drifted off into sleep, I couldn’t control it, I continued to weep. I watched him for hours, so silent and still. I noticed he shivered from the cold night’s chill. So I took off my jacket, the one made of red, and covered this Marine from his toes to his head. Then I put on his T-shirt of scarlet and gold, with an eagle, globe and anchor emblazoned so bold. And although it barely fit me, I began to swell with pride, and for one shining moment, I was Marine Corps deep inside. I didn’t want to leave him so quiet in the night, this guardian of honor so willing to fight. But half asleep he rolled over, and in a voice clean and pure, said “Carry on, Santa, it’s Christmas Day, all secure.” One look at my watch and I knew he was right, Merry Christmas my friend, Semper Fi and goodnight.

©Copyright circa 1991 by James M. Schmidt
(As printers in the December 1991 issue of the USMC magazine, Leatherneck)

Thanks to Bill Faith of Small Town Veteran for the poem link and correct attribution/origin of the poem!

Merry Christmas!

[Note: As the poem was written by a Marine about a Marine and the recording was made by a Marine, I'm not sure why the recording was titled "Soldier's Silent Night".  It might be because "soldier" can be used to describe anyone in the Armed Forces (capital S "Soldier" means Army).  Or it just might be a mistake.]

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Comments

[LarryConley]

That poem has been a Chirstmas staple of mine every since I read it several years ago...

[Bill Faith]

Matt, I just listened to that recording you link to. It's wonderful and I'm going to link to it, but the wording has been modified quite a bit compared to the original poem. The term "Soldier" is appropriate for the recording. The lyrics for the recording are posted at http://www.wlit.com/soldiersilentnight.html.

[Don Black]

Christmas this year will be hard for the troops and their families. It always is but this year we are fighting a war like no other we have ever fought.

Be proud Marines not only for the faith you show each and every day for your country, but also for the millions there living under your protection. The poet may have been one of you but the pride shown in the poem is what most of us feel when thinking about you and your task. Words can not express all the feelings we the people of these United States would like you to know.

Just know that you are in our prayers, our hearts and minds this Christmas season. There will be an empty place at our table for Christmas dinner in honor of you military people so far from home. Those still at the "children's" table in the kitchen will understand that place of honor belongs to you.

[Caleb]

Matt - I think you would find the the capital "S" in "Soldier's Silent Night" is due to it being a title. The use of "soldier" within the poem itself, I believe, was changed to broaden the reach of the poem to include all of our military forces. I mean, why not sailors, as in Navy SEALS, or why not airmen. By changing it to "Soldier" it could be applied to all, instead of just Marines. Then, of course, some of the lines of the poem had to be changed or removed because they were service specific to the Marines.

[Curt]

Wonderful rendition, and it always makes me meditate on those who are still out there for me.

Today I got a different version, one I hadn't seen before, so I posted it in my blog. Here's the link, so it won't overfill your comments section.

http://chaoticsynapticactivity.blogspot.com/2004/12/yet-another-wonderful-nite-before.html

[Beth]

What is this, a campaign to make us cry at least once a day?

Thanks for sharing these poems with us.

[Smoke Eater]

Well, if the tears are due to remembering the faith, strength, and DEDICATION of our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines, bring it on, for they are tears of joy and gratitude, and those are never a problem.

Thank you for the links, origins, and MP3. I'm going to link to them and make sure that all of our protectors know just how thankful I am for ALL OF THEM!

God Bless and MERRY CHRISTMAS!

[Sgt. B.]

As a "militant jarhead", I'm always pleased when the Corps receives notoriety in the mass media, and, at one time in the recent past, was arrogently biased in favor of the Corps...
BUT, as the warfighters of ALL of our forces, and those of our allies have created the opportunity to showcase units other than the Corps, I am less likely to begrudge our sister services their share of the spotlight...
This one, about a Marine, serves ALL of our people, and I, for one, am happy to share...
Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine... God Bless 'em All!

Semper Fi,

Sgt. B.

[Alen]

My dad got this link by way of an old friend he flew with back when "Navy planes were fueled with coal" or something like that. Thought this was a great way to say thanks to the troops. It's got some wonderful sound, but it isn't required to view the page.

http://www.clermontyellow.accountsupport.com/flash/UntilThen.swf

Merry Christmas to all who serve!

Alen

[Jerry Meany]

Even though I am not in favor of our involvement in Iraq, I wholeheartedly support all the men and women in the Armed Forces. Their ongoing sacrifices give me and all Americans the right to disagree with our government and all the other freedoms under the Constitution. To them I can only say" God bless you and keep you safe until you return home again".

[James Estes]

Thank you so much for the opportunity to receive this recording. This was the first year that I have heard it. I was deeply touched by it's message as I am sure my family will be when I share it with them.

May God bless you and the others that protect our freedom and country. Be safe and have a Happy Holiday season, sir.

James

[Sharon]

I heard this poem for the first time today on wlit and I was so moved I had to find the lyrics . Thank you so much for all you give..

[dave]

I learned years ago that conflict changes a person. I had experienced conflict when I was younger and in the military. It changes you. At times it distances you from those around you for reasons that you unable or unwilling to explain.
You see, the some of the things seen, experienced by veterans are horrible and repressing or attempting to repress them can dampen all of your emotions/feelings. The only problem is every now and then your feelings, the very feelings that you are hiding from, can trigger a flood of emotions. Taps, the Vietnam Memorial Wall and now this version of Silent Night are three of what I call my emotional triggers/releases. I have some control over Taps and the Wall in that I can to a certain degree control my exposure to them. But what control is there when your driving down the road and this wonderful, moving song comes on. I think the title is appropriate because over the years I have met veterans of many of the service branches and have found that we share many of the same feelings and emotions

[Soldier & Airmen's Mom]

I recieve this poem every year. I read it and cry tears of graditude, pride, and love for all our men and women who serve to keep us safe and free. God Bless You.

Our son Jay(airmen) will not be home for the holidays this year. He is serving overseas. This is a small task we will endure again this year.
Love and Prayers,
Proud Mom

[charles hatten]

how can i get and audio of the soldiers silent night. went to site that you mentioned would not let me in....heard it on the radio..really enjoyed it....thanx....SFC Hatten US ARMY retired

[Audrey Feiber]

This moved me to tears. My grandson is in Afghanastan and every time I hear it I think of him and pray for all of the people serving, but especially for him and all of the 82nd Airborn. My question is who does the recording? It sounds like Van Johnson to me. Anyone? Audrey

[Jeanne Schirra]

AT TIMES WHEN I FIND MYSELF STRESSING ABOUT THE SEASON AND ALL I FEEL OBLIGATED TO DO, I NEED TO HEAR THIS AND IT PUTS ALL MY MINOR "INCONVENIENCES" INTO PERSPECTIVE. MAY GOD BLESS ALL OF OUR TROOPS AT THIS SEASON AND THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. I PRAY FOR YOUR SAFE RETURN HOME!

[Pastor Dean Ashton]

Hello, Recently we discovered my uncle, who is a veteran of WW 2, laid sick in his bed for almost a week before family discovered that he was sick. We rushed him to the hospital only to learn he is dying from cancer.

My Uncle Melvin Dietrich served as a Tank Commander during the Battle of Bulge, and also was part of the Patton's relief columm to help break out Bastogne. So as one can imagine, after me hearing this very beautiful song/poem, and hearing the details of how we found my Uncle laying in his bed, sick with not a single Christmas decoration in his home, I fell to my knees in tears and wepted!

I am enternally grate full to the individuals who made this unique song available. My only wish is to find away to get a copy of this song so I can play it for his 4 sisters who are by his bed side night and day, as they all wait for our Creator to take his Spirit away to that old solders home "away from home" in heaven!

God bless all those who are connected to this special song/Poem!

Pastor Dean Ashton
2780 Manitou Road
Rochester, NY 14624
585-594-8805

[Doris Schneider]

How can I get a recorded audio of this? I am technologically challenged and not familiar with downloading and I do not own an MP3 player.

[ron brown]

We buried my father on monday 9 dec, 2005. 2 days later i heard this poem and at that is when i realized why he, a wwII vet, and me, a vietnam era vet did what we did. this , like my dad's memory, will be with me until it's time for taps is sounded for me. my thoughts are with every woman and man standing watch over me now all over the world. god bless and keep you all

[Linda]

I first heard it on the radio. It made me cry, a marine so true to his country for us to be free. He should be so proud and not alone. It made me feel pride and compassion for all the armed forces so willing to fight without any concern ..for themselves only for their familes friends, their country and their God. They should be praised and hornored. I know they are all cherished and loved by the Lord, I will pray for all of them.

[The Smoke Eater]

I love this poem, but I cannot find the MP3 any more, can you e-mail it to me if you still have it?

[Blackfive]

http://holidaylite.wlit.com/holidaylite/music/soldiers_silent_night.mp3

Click on that link - it's the same as the link in the text.

Left clicking will stream it - play it on your media player.

Right click, then choose save as, will save it to your computer.

[Bill Faith]

Matt, according to http://www.wjzi.com/soldiersnight.asp Father Berndt went on to his final reward in March of '04. I, for one, will never forget his final gift to the world. I hope you and some of the other MilBloggers will join me in saving copies of it so if it disappears from the places it's available now we can see that there's always a copy available for people to listen to in years to come.

[Tom Shaughnessy]

If you are able,
save for them a place inside of you
and one backward glance when you are leaving,
for the places they can no longer go.

Be not ashamed to say you loved them,
though you may or may not always have.
Take what they have left
and what they have taught you with their dying
and keep it with your own.

And in that time when men decide
and feel safe to call the war insane,
take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes
you left behind.

Written January 1, 1970 by Major Michael Davis O'Donnell Dak To, South Vietnam

[luckent47]

went to the VA hospital in Ann Arbor (home of super-patriot Juan Cole./s)and checked on some profiles.
they know what I think about 'em.
really makes one ashamed to think one has real "problems"..
Merry Merry Christmas!!, Army or not.

[hunterk2]

Outstanding. God Bless our Armed Forces.
Merry Christmas to all!

A Funny:
http://www.vmix.com/viewVideo.php?ID=1976

[Eric]

... beautiful poem, Matty... all the best to you and yours over the Christmas holiday... and a prosperous New Year to us all....

[wake up]

I just want to wish all of our troops a Merry Christmas!

[PebblePie]

Deck The House!

http://www.powerpres.com/xmascard03.html

Merry Christmas,

Pebble

[Jack]

Thank you and Merry Christmas!!!

[Maggie45]

Thank you for this, Matt. And thank you for this website and all you do. And most of all thank you for your service to our country, and for bringing our attention to all our heroes.

[Beth* A.]

The Merriest of Christmases, Matt o' Blackfive, and a simply splendid New Year to you and your family!

[MissBirdlegs in AL]

Merry Christmas to you & yours, B5!

[scott holmes]

Merry Christmas, B5 and all the B5 family.

I pray for every service member not home in their bed tonight. Please take care.

Thanks for everything, B5.

[dmac]

God bless you Matt. These stories would remain untold if not for you. Merry Christmas.

[Ledger]

Pass the word down the chain (from the top to the bottom) that I am truly grateful for the topflight work our men and women in the US Military have done. From Afghanistan to Iraqi they have done an excellent job. No other fighting force on the face of the earth could have done better.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Btw: B5, you have very good site!

[MaryAnn]

Merry Christmas to you and your family, Matt.

[That 1 Guy]

I love that poem...

Merry Christmas to you and yours, Matt.

[Deb]

Thank you for reminding me of that poem. Merry Christmas to all!

[wordsmith]

Merry Christmas! I might not post here often, but you have been one of my regular visits since I started following blogs. Thank you for everything!

[Patti]

Happy Holidays All
Patti

[AubreyJ]

Merry Christmas!!!!!!
AubreyJ......

[Myron]

Merry Christmas

[Norma L. Heimerle]

I think it's absolutely beautiful. I have just listened to the audio of this poem and I sat here crying. I have emailed it to everyone I love, it's simply beautiful. Is it out on CD I would love to purchase it.

[Wild Thing]

This is wonderful and so special. Thank you so much.

[Sammy D]

Heartfelt thanks to B5 and Tom Shaughnessy for sharing these moving poems, and to ALL our military families - past, present and future. May every one of you know how much I appreciate you for all you have given.

[alexa kim]

Yup, more tears of gratitude flowing... it's ok, I think I own stock in Kleenex... but maybe I should get a kerchief for such times, help hide my red eyes (my mascara is water-proof, so no need to picture that). And, oh, I didn't realize that Soldiers with a capital S is a significant distinction in the military in its usage. Whenever I refer to My Soldiers, I mean every member of my military services, so I hope that Sailors, Airmen, and Marines have not been irked by it (*gulp*). I always am thinking of everyone who serves our country in a military uniform, including their families, when I say My Soldiers. I claim pride of ownership. All of you belong to me as if my very own brothers and sisters and I like that extremely much.

[Bill Faith]

Dang! Held my fire too long and let you beat me to that one this year. I had it scheduled to auto-post at 06:00 tomorrow but I went ahead and posted it after I saw you had.

Old War Dogs may be hard to keep up with this year. The Aussie gent who runs the International War Veterans' Poetry Archives site just joined the pack a couple of days ago. Connections? Connections.

[Tincan Sailor]

Matt, Thanks for all you do!Merry Christmas and
Happy New Year...

May the wind be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
The rain fall soft upon your fields
And, until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

[Trish Catone]

I heard this today on the radio played with the music of Silent Night. I cried,my husband is a Vietnam Vet with PTSD. He is a special man who took pride in serving and protecting his country and still does. He is proud to have been with the 4th Infantry. He was a good and brave soldier and I am very proud of him. This is a tribute to all our brave soldiers young and old.

Thank you and God Bless You,
Patricia (Trish) Catone

[Sussie]

Myself and My Husband were driving home and we were listening to the radio and heard the Solider Silent Night. It brought tears to our eye especial my husband he is a Veteran from 1959. I just wanted to comment in how proud I am to be a veteran wife and to say thank you to our solider that are out there doing there job to save our Country. Thank So Much for this Song.
Sussie

[maggie mckanna]

THIS IS THE BEST STORY IT MAKES YOU THINK OF THE SOLDIERS RIGHT NOW AND WHAT THEY ARE THINKING RIGHT AT THIS MINUTE.I first heard it on the radio. It made me cry, a marine so true to his country for us to be free. He should be so proud and not alone. It made me feel pride and compassion for all the armed forces so willing to fight without any concern ..for themselves only for their familes friends, their country and their God. They should be praised and hornored. I know they are all cherished and loved by the Lord, I will pray for all of them.

[maggie mckanna]

I DONATE THIS TO A GOOD FRIEND CARLY ERKER................................THIS IS THE BEST STORY IT MAKES YOU THINK OF THE SOLDIERS RIGHT NOW AND WHAT THEY ARE THINKING RIGHT AT THIS MINUTE.I first heard it on the radio. It made me cry, a marine so true to his country for us to be free. He should be so proud and not alone. It made me feel pride and compassion for all the armed forces so willing to fight without any concern ..for themselves only for their familes friends, their country and their God. They should be praised and hornored. I know they are all cherished and loved by the Lord, I will pray for all of them.

[maggie mckanna]

I DONATE THIS TO A GOOD FRIEND CARLY ERKER WHO TOLD ME THAT A LOVED ON IS IN THE WAR WHO IS A MARINE................................THIS IS THE BEST STORY IT MAKES YOU THINK OF THE SOLDIERS RIGHT NOW AND WHAT THEY ARE THINKING RIGHT AT THIS MINUTE.I first heard it on the radio. It made me cry, a marine so true to his country for us to be free. He should be so proud and not alone. It made me feel pride and compassion for all the armed forces so willing to fight without any concern ..for themselves only for their familes friends, their country and their God. They should be praised and hornored. I know they are all cherished and loved by the Lord, I will pray for all of them.

[Becky]

Thank you so much for the free link to download the poem. My husband, former Navy, heard it on the radio and immediatley said we had to have this. My son is in the Army and it means so much to us. Thank you again.

[John]

I heard this for the first time this past Saturday. I have several friends I grew up with who are or were in the military. I remember all the holidays they spent from family, especially the Christmas holiday. It is a sobering thought that we are able to enjoy our time with family and friends here because, while they sacrifice that same priviledge by serving over there. God bless all military personnel, home and abroad.

[Bill Bolger]

As a Veteran of the U S Army Special Forces Group, I was touched by this song. I have many friends still in the military, and still fighting the war on terrorism. This song actually brought a tear to my eyes. I can feel the pain that our troops are feeling being away from family and loved ones during the holiday season. I was there, a long time ago. God bless our troops and please bring them home safely.