oldsalt1169

[oldsalt1169]

Today's Absolute Truth...   January 2021 whatever The New Year may bring it will probably (99% likelihood) be better than January 1991 (for me)!

[oldsalt1169]

A Final Thought For Christmas 2020... What Gift Was I Able To Give To Those Who Gave So Much To Me? My Life, My Family and Our Lives Together (and My Thanks, Remembrances and Prayers that they have found The Peace that they NEVER had in Life)… Good Night Brothers & Sisters, Semper Fidelis and God Bless!

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And A Good Night To Everyone!

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Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,In a one bedroom house made of plaster & stone.I had come down the chimney, with presents to giveand to see just who in this home did liveAs 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 choiceI 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.

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Affirmative!

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My List...

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Tonight’s Toons!   Merry Christmas Eve...

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No “Bunker” is complete at The Holidays without some Gingerbread Cookies (and some beverages as well)!

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You hear me mention “The Bunker” from time to time...   For some it would be called a basement, Ours is 10 feet below street level and surrounded on 3 sides with reinforced concrete!   It is fully finished, with a full bath a kitchenette/wet bar and climate controlled year round.   It is where We normally celebrate Christmas each year (these photos are from previous Christmases).   Now you know...  

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I know how this feels...   My first trip to Korea...   -14 Degrees for the high temperature...   No Showers...   No Hot Chow...   No Clean Clothing...   Working (at hard labor) For 18-20 Hours In The Elements...   Sleeping In Tents With No Heat Facing The Ocean...   The ONLY thing we were missing were Chinese/North Koreans shooting at us!   God Bless and Merry Christmas to all The Korean War Veterans...

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Always!

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Oh Yeah!

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Merry Christmas Eve Everyone!   Santa is on the move with support...

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Merry Christmas Leathernecks!   From “The House That We Built”...   I WILL be with ALL of you tomorrow (for some ‘Moto’ & Seasonal Mayhem).   Semper Fidelis and God Bless!

[oldsalt1169]

A photo (for tonight) from "The Christmas Tree That The Marines Built" here at "The Bunker"...