A Soldier's Silent Night

 

A Soldier's Silent Night was written by U.S. Marine Lance Corporal James M. Schmidt in 1987 under the title "Merry Christmas, My Friend."  It was later retitled "A Soldier's Silent Night."

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.

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."

Nestes últimos anos e com o alastrar dos conflitos (Ucrânia e, agora, Médio Oriente) é com desconforto (mesmo vergonha!) e alguma amargura que celebro esta que é, para mim, a festa da Família, por excelência. 

Tento convencer-me, a mim própria de que, ao fazê-lo, estou a celebrar os valores a ela associados e a importância que tem enquanto elemento estruturante de qualquer sociedade.