A Soldier's Silent Night
Saturday, December 24, 2011 at 8:00 AM It’s December 24 and we’re once again pleased to bring you our Christmas tradition, "A Soldier's Silent Night." This marks the fifth year that "A Soldier's Silent Night" has appeared on one of Fred Keller’s online publications and the YouTube views since it was uploaded on Feb 17, 2007 has reached 206,927; something never imagined at the time.
The original version of the poem was written by Marine Lance Corporal James M. Schmidt in 1987 under the title "Merry Christmas, My Friend."
Wisconsin Connection
The audio recording of this adapted version was recorded by Father Ted Berndt and his daughter Ellen Stout. Father Berndt was a priest at Bread of Life Charismatic Episcopal Church in Dousman, Wisconsin, a proud Marine, and a WWII Purple Heart recipient and is pictured at the end of the video.
The poem was recorded in one take. The recording received a national A.I.R. (Achievement in Radio) award from the March of Dimes and continues to be played in radio stations across the country.
Father Berndt passed away March 19th, 2004 after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. According to his daughter, "All he ever wanted to do was touch lives...to make a difference. We are blessed to share "A Soldier's Silent Night" again with you this Christmas."
May "A Soldier's Silent Night" transcend any opinion about war, and go deeper to foster an appreciation for the selfless sacrifice and courage of United States soldiers, Veterans and their families.
MERRY CHRISTMAS MY FRIENDS!
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