My name is Francis Tolliver, I come from Liverpool, Two years ago the war was waiting for me after school. To Belgium and to Flanders to Germany to here I fought for King and country I love dear. Twas Christmas in the trenches where the frost so bitter hung, The frozen fields of France were still, no Christmas song was sung, Our families back in England were toasting us that day, Their brave and glorious lads so far away.
I was lying with my messmate on the cold and rocky ground When across the lines of battle came a most peculiar sound Says I, "Now listen up, me boys!" each soldier strained to hear As one young German voice sang out so clear. "Hes singing bloody well, you know!" my partner says to me Soon one by one each German voice joined in in harmony The cannons rested silent, the gas clouds rolled no more As Christmas brought us respite from the war.
As soon as they were finished and a reverent pause was spent "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" struck up some lads from Kent The next they sang was "Stille Nacht," "Tis Silent Night," says I And in two tongues one song filled up that sky. "Theres someone coming towards us!" the front line sentry cried All sights were fixed on one lone figure coming from their side His truce flag, like a Christmas star, shone on that plain so bright As he bravely strode unarmed into the night.
Soon one by one on either side walked into No Mans land With neither gun nor bayonet we met there hand to hand We shared some secret brandy and we wished each other well And in a flare-lit soccer game we gave em hell. We traded chocolates, cigarettes, and photographs from home These sons and fathers far away from families of their own Young Sanders played his squeeze box and they had a violin This curious and unlikely band of men.
Soon daylight stole upon us and France was France once more With sad farewells we each began to settle back to war But the question haunted every heart that lived that wondrous night "Whose family have I fixed within my sights?" Twas Christmas in the trenches, where the frost so bitter hung The frozen fields of France were warmed as songs of peace were sung For the walls theyd kept between us to exact the work of war Had been crumbled and were gone for evermore.
My name is Francis Tolliver, in Liverpool I dwell Each Christmas come since World War I Ive learned its lessons well That the ones who call the shots wont be among the dead and lame And on each end of the rifle were the same.
Though I have no experience of it, I am without doubt that the soldier in battle is the only person in the world who can truly appreciate a quiet night and a heartfelt song of Hope.
Thank you veterans.
Thank you one and all.
Thank you for all your effort, struggles, your blood, your sweat and tears.
Thank you for the stories of the people, places and things you give us.
Thank you for your friends and comrades who died too young.
When you speak to them today, and you will, tell them they are missed, and they are appreciated.