Most of you probably have read “Merry Christmas, My Friend” before, but have you heard it with the backdrop of Silent Night?
It was originally title “Merry Christmas, My Friend”, and was an instant success that reportedly brought tears to the eyes of the barrracks Commander who ordered it distributed to everyone he knew. It appeared in the barracks publication Pass in Review in December 1987 and Leatherneck Magazine in December 1991.
Written by former Marine Corporal James M. Schmidt, in 1987 when stationed in Washington D.C., it was pounded out on a typewriter while awaiting the commading officer’s Christmas holiday decoration inspection.
The poem was recorded as a tribute by Father Ted Berndt, a former Marine and Purple Heart recipient during World War II, currently residing in Dousman, Wisconsin for his daughter Ellen Stout, a Clear Channel radio personality.
Here is the link to the MP3 audio version of “Merry Christmas, My Friend”, titled “Soldier’s Silent Night” –
Father Berndt provides the perfect voice to this poem. I will send this to a lot of folks this Christmas season. Thank you Chrissie.
Tom yesss his voice is perfect for this.