[December 25, 2022] This is the Christmas poem I read on our show every Christmas Eve. It got me thinking about how much Santa Clause and our Great American Veterans have in common. First and most important we both deliver what we promise and we have been doing it for a long time. You see Mr. Prosecutor, Judge and Supreme Court Judges, Santa promises bikes, sleds and doll babies. Veterans promise continued Freedom for our GREAT COUNTRY. Nether one of us have failed. Even when Santa shows up and gets on the roof only to find out the chimney is blocked or there is no chimney at all. He still finds a way to get in the home and put those wishes under the tree.
Our Veterans go to over a hundred countries all over the world and deliver peace and good will. Santa is left a plate of cookies and a glass of milk and a carrot for Rudolf. Veterans are left with a broken VA. State Court systems that think it’s alright to profile, disrespect, ignore and and violate our civil rights because we wear a shirt or hat that indicates we are proud of our service, proud of where we serve and most important proud of raising our hand to die for your freedom. I guess where Santa and the Veterans differ is we don’t read about too many Santa’s dying doing their job. Sadly way too many Veterans die doing their job.
Remember Prosecutors , court employees, Judges and Supreme Court, on Christmas Day you throw away the wrapping paper that your gift came in that Santa gave you . Stop throwing away the Veterans for the gift they give you every day. We are a little bit more important than wrapping paper. I just wonder how many of you believe in Santa, because there are way too many that do not believe in Veterans. Please read the poem below.
Maybe you’ll get it and maybe you won’t. Remember Santa comes once a year with gifts, Veterans give the gift of FREEDOM every day even at the cost of their lives.
JOE GRIFFIES
TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS (FOR ALL WHO HAVE SERVED)
Twas the night before Christmas,
he lived all alone,
in a one bedroom home made of plaster and stone.
I had come down the chimney with presents to give
and to see just whom in this house did live.
I looked all about, a strange sight did I see.
No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stocking by mantle, just boots filled with sand.
On the wall hung pictures of a far distant land,
with medals and badges, awards of all kinds,
a sober thought came to mind.
For this house was different, it was dark and dreary.
I had found the home of a soldier, once I could see.
The soldier lay sleeping, silent, alone,
curled up on the floor in this one bedroom home.
The face was so gentle, the room in disorder,
not how I pictured a United States soldier.
Was this the hero of whom I’d just read?
Curled up on a poncho, the floor for a bed?
I realized the families that I saw this night,
owed their lives to these soldiers who were willing to fight.
Soon round the world the children would play,
and grownups would celebrate a bright Christmas day.
They enjoyed freedom each month of the year,
because of the soldiers, like the one lying here.
I couldn’t wonder how many lay alone,
on a cold Christmas Eve in a land far from home.
The very thought brought a tear to my eye,
I dropped to my knees and started to cry.
The soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice,
“Santa don’t cry, this is the life of my choice,
I fight for freedom, I don’t ask for more,
my life is my God, my country, my corps.”
The soldier rolled over and drifted to sleep,
I couldn’t control it, and continued to weep.
I kept watch for hours, so silent and still,
and we both shivered from the cold winter’s chill.
I didn’t want to leave on that cold, dark night,
this guardian of honor so willing to fight.
Then the soldier rolled over, whispered with a voice soft and pure,
“Carry on Santa, It’s Christmas day and all is secure.”
One look at my watch and I knew he was right,
“Merry Christmas to All and to All a Good Night!”
————–
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I certainly enjoyed this blog post …. thank you sir.
Chopper, I do believe all of us can enjoy it. For those of us who are veterans, it does mean a lot more. Only by being there can you really understand combat or, more importantly, understand camaraderie. That is what makes being a veteran so satisfying and the fact that we had a “noble cause” to pursue (per Gen. Satterfield). All, have a great New Year.
Joe Griffies, u da man.
A profound statement:
“It got me thinking about how much Santa Clause and our Great American Veterans have in common.”
Gen. Satterfield first wrote about this radio host last year, “A Vietnam Vet’s Fight with the Legal System”. Joe Griffies is a saint.
See the article at the link: https://www.theleadermaker.com/vietnam-vets-fight-with-legal-system/
Army Capt, I also listen to Joe Griffies radio show – most weekly – and I enjoy it. The show is very fast paced. You’ve got to be paying attention to follow. Wow, I recommend the show.
Mr. Griffies is the kind of soldier I would want in my foxhole.
👍👍👍👍👍
Nailed it.
Mr. Griffies advocates for vets year round, not just today.
https://6abc.com/joe-griffies-vietnam-veteran-radio-show-welcome-home/11223984/
Joe Griffies, well written. Very inspirational. Too bad that our VA, prosecutors, judges, and politicians do not care much for the veteran.
Powerful —
Remember Prosecutors , court employees, Judges and Supreme Court, on Christmas Day you throw away the wrapping paper that your gift came in that Santa gave you . Stop throwing away the Veterans for the gift they give you every day. We are a little bit more important than wrapping paper. I just wonder how many of you believe in Santa, because there are way too many that do not believe in Veterans.”
Yep! Glad I logged in Christmas morning to find this gem published on Gen. Satterfield’s website. God Bless you all.
Joe, great poem.
“Carry on Santa, It’s Christmas day and all is secure.”
Mr. Joe Griffies, thank you so very much for your poem and posting on Gen. Satterfield’s leadership website. I read the previous article here at https://www.theleadermaker.com on what you do to help all our vets. You are special and should be given the thank you that you deserve. But I know you will not want it, but thanks from the depth of my hear for what you do for all our most precious vets.
Atta girl, yes, Joe is da man. I wonder if he is married.😉
Ha Ha, good one girls.
American Girl, you nailed it. Couldn’t have said it better so thanks. And, Merry Christmas to all.
MERRY CHRISTMAS !!!!!!!!
🌟👪🙏🕯⛪
Wow, great! Merry Christmas to you Joe and all our veterans.
… and we pray for them every day, not just on Christmas or Veterans Day, but every single day …
Best time of the year.
All, please do not forget to get a copy of the latest book by Gen. Satterfield. You will not be disappointed. Here it is for you. “55 Rules for a Good Life” Make it part of your book shelf and read it daily to inspire you on your way to becoming a better person.