Only a few hours ago, on this particular day, I attended Midnight Mass, knowing there were many soldiers preoccupied with other things while others were celebrating Christmas with family and friends.
Not being pompous or all-knowing, I have felt the emptiness of Christmas as a soldier.
As I thought about what this day represents, I’ve decided to dedicate it to the person (s) who has served in the military or armed forces away from home during Christmas.
It’s knowing that I have been in their shoes and have felt the various emotions of a soldier during Christmas.
Reflecting on the various Christmases I spent as a soldier over the 30 years I served on active duty, these are only a few thoughts of what being a soldier means during Christmas.
I know that there have been times in my life away from family as I protected the freedoms of democracy for my country.
I know the challenges with all that is going on in the world today with Ukraine, Israel, and Palestine.
I know there are soldiers on alert who must be ready for deployment at a moment’s notice.
I know what it means to be unable to share celebrations because those who were here last year are not here this year.
I know that as a soldier, a specific amount of discipline must always be maintained.
I know that we can’t take a day off, take a sabbatical, or call in sick when others depend on us during the daily operations of a mission.
I know that some people in this world don’t understand what we do as soldiers and take for granted having a good night’s sleep.
I also know that some will never understand why a soldier is a soldier 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year.
I know that each soldier has their version of a Christmas story when deployed and how he/she spent it.
I know that a soldier will, in most cases, have one of the best meals prepared for him/her by the cooks in the dining facility.
I know what it’s like to eat meals out of a can in the desert and remember how grateful I was to have something to eat.
I know that as a soldier, I’ve had my share of helping others to have something better on Christmas day.
I know that as a soldier, it’s knowing what the spirit of Christmas is and what it represents in my life and the lives of others.
I know that as a soldier, the values of my mother and father were passed on to me and that I’ve upheld those values over the years.
I know as a soldier what it means to be a soldier on Christmas day because I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I know as a soldier that once a soldier, always a soldier.
I know what the words mean when someone says they must soldier on when duty calls.
I know that as a soldier, many continue to deploy as today, I write this message.
I know that if it wasn’t for the soldiers performing all those special duties on Christmas day, too many unthinkable things/acts could happen to our country.
I know, as a soldier, many don’t remember 9-11, the significance of freedom, and why we have the security that we now have in place.
I know that only a tiny percentage will ever serve as a soldier because it takes a particular person to be a soldier.
I know that as a soldier, the war or world doesn’t stop just because it’s Christmas day.
I know that as a soldier, it’s better to give than to receive.
I know as a soldier that the meaning of selfless service is a value within the Army and that it’s not a one-day commitment.
I know that as a soldier, I’ve learned and continued to understand what the word empathy means when caring for soldiers.
As a soldier, I know I don’t take my freedoms for granted.
As you celebrate Christmas on this day, you should know this soldier knows freedom is not free, and the sacrifices are being made today for me.
It’s my prayer that they remain safe for all those families with Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guards deployed.
I’m grateful knowing that it’s because of their sacrifice to this country we live in the land of the free, home of the brave.
Although I wrote as a soldier, many have served in the military or armed forces and have their own stories.
I know the things I wrote about are only a tiny example of the great sacrifices that are being made today.
As you reflect on your Christmas, think about the soldiers in harm’s way or those on duty who cannot celebrate with their families on this day.
For every person that I have served with and those that have ever served, I know your sacrifices, and I wish everyone a very merry Christmas!
Thanks for those truly helpful comments and I appreciate all the time and effort you put into this article! Job Well Done!🙏🏾👍🏿
Ed,
Merry Christmas and I’m honored to receive your comments. It’s my pleasure to serve.
CM
Thanks for those truly helpful comments and I appreciate all the time and effort you put into this article! Job Well Done!🙏🏾👍🏿
Ed,
Merry Christmas and I’m honored to receive your comments. It’s my pleasure to serve.
CM
Merry Christmas to you, your family and all our wonderful men and women who served and are serving our country. God blessings to all.
Joyce,
Merry Christmas. It’s an honor to serve, and I’m so proud to serve along with your son Scott, who spent many Christmases away from home.
McKinley
McKinley,
Merry Christmas, and thank you for all those years of selfless service to this country. The burden of our freedom rest on the shoulders of our service members. Because of their self sacrifice I am able to enjoy my family at Christmas.
Scott,
Merry Christmas to you, and thank you for your selfless service to this country. Because I know the number of deployments you had in the Army, I know that Christmas with family is a special occasion.
My God, continue to bless you.
McKinley
As someone who does not believe that there are any just wars, I believe that soldiers on both sides of EVERY CONFLICT are human beings often believing their cause is just. Let us engage in Conflict AVOIDANCE rather than war
Hugh,
Thank you for your input. You should know there is a fine line as it relates to conflict avoidance and what we are called to do as a Solider. We are sworn to obey the oath we take when we join and to follow orders of the Commander in Chief. Nevertheless, you are correct that “both sides of EVERY CONFLICT are human beings often believing their cause is just.” Because I have served in Combat, my goal is the protection of those under my control or command.
McKinley
As someone who does not believe that there are any just wars, I believe that soldiers on both sides of EVERY CONFLICT are human beings often believing their cause is just. Let us engage in Conflict AVOIDANCE rather than war
Hugh,
Thank you for your input. You should know there is a fine line as it relates to conflict avoidance and what we are called to do as a Solider. We are sworn to obey the oath we take when we join and to follow orders of the Commander in Chief. Nevertheless, you are correct that “both sides of EVERY CONFLICT are human beings often believing their cause is just.” Because I have served in Combat, my goal is the protection of those under my control or command.
McKinley
Thank you for the reminder that freedom is not free.
Thank you for helping us to remember serving in the arm forces is a 24 hour 365 days a year job.
Thank you for your service and to all who are and have served, the maintain our way of life.
Prayer for them and their families during this season and throughout the years.
Cynthia,
Greetings, I’m trusting you had an excellent Christmas. I’m honored and humbled by your comments knowing that you provide a service to all at the V.A. Hospital. You can see this as well 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. Too many take freedom for granted. Thank you as well for your service and to all those who you served, that are struggling to maintain a specific quality of life.
McKinley
McKinley, I so appreciate your ‘loving’ and ‘heart felt’ tribute to all military service members and for your extending appreciation to them for protecting the freedom of this country with their lives, a fact which is so often taken for granted by so many. Thank you for sharing your personal memories of this time of year while you were on active duty. I know so many can relate. Thank you.
Carolyn,
Your words humble me. From one service member to another I’m honored to have served as I pay tribute to “all military service members” for protecting the freedom of this country with their lives.
Have a great holiday season.
McKinley