It will soon be Christmas.
While celebrating the birth of Christ and considering the traditional exchanging of gifts, families and friends getting together, Christmas carols (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7baFMmSv4k), pictures of children with Santa, and the other elements marking this holiday, please take a moment (actually, more than a moment) to pray for our men and women in uniform who are away from their families, serving overseas.
Some of them are facing danger daily in combat, with others standing guard in countless countries and at sea.
It is perhaps the most trying day when away from home. It is terribly difficult to adequately describe to someone who hasn't experienced one or more Christmases in uniform away from family and friends. Even the most hardened of warriors find the day challenging, with grown men reduced to tears.
Parents away from young children feel an emptiness within.
Young men, normally full of bravado and energy, seem withdrawn.
Having spent far too many Christmases away from my family, while serving in the Marine Corps, scene after scene of the impact remain fresh.
Even in peacetime these absences can feel overwhelming. During one Christmas spent overseas, our command decided to host children from a local orphanage for a party, replete with food, games, carols, Santa, and gifts for the kids. At the appointed time, the bus carrying the children arrived at the command post. As each child stepped off the bus, he/she was greeted by an individual Marine, who then served as their personal host and guide for the festivities. Several laughter and smile filled hours later, it was time for the orphans to depart. Each Marine said goodbye, many offering hugs to their new friends. As the Marines turned away, the overwhelming majority had tears in their eyes. Some later mentioned the event reminded them of their younger brothers and sisters, with some mentioning their own children. The spirit of Christmas surrouned us that day.
This Christmas, the commanders with our men and women in uniform will do all they can to maintain morale. When and where possible, celebrations (religious and secular) will held, special meals provided, and other events will be held. Perhaps some of these men and women may be able to enjoy a telephone call or video chat with the family back home. But at the end of the day, they will still be far from home. At their homes, a certain emptiness will exist, coupled with fear and apprehension, and balanced with prayers for the safe return of their warrior.
Across the globe, some of our nation's best will spend this Christmas away from their families. As you sit down to enjoy the day, please take a few moments to offer a prayer of thanks to these soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines, as well as their families.
Merry Christmas
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