As Christmas this poem reminds us of the soldiers spending Christmas alone in foreign lands while we are home enjoying our family, friends and freedom.

The poem was originally titled "Merry Christmas, My Friend," written by Lance Corporal James M. Schmidt in 1987 while serving as a Battalion Counter Sniper at the Marine Barracks 8th & I in Washington, DC. Schmidt went on to become an entertainment lawyer in California after completing his military service.

This adapted version was created by Father Ted Berndt and his daughter Ellen Stout.