Often times we forget about the real reasons behind the Christmas season. We forget those who are without their loved ones over the holidays. We forget about those who are spending their holidays overseas and often don't even celebrate a true “Christmas”. Recently, a marine stationed in Okinawa, Japan wrote his own version of "Twas’ The Night Before Christmas." I found this poem to be extremely touching, like many others. This poem shined a light on the subject of freedom much further than the “Merica” symbolism posted over social media sights today. The rendition goes like this,
“With medals and badges, awards of all kind
A sober thought came through my mind.
For this house was different, so dark and dreary,
I knew I had found the home of a soldier, once I could see clearly.
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."
This poem explains the cost of freedom, the effects of what comes with freedom and the idea of Christmas for someone who struggles with their own interpersonal battles. It is our job as citizens to remember those who are overseas, to thank those who gave their lives and to honor those who experience a different type of Christmas in order to keep us safe. It is their sacrifice that keeps us safe; that keeps us with our families over the holidays.