Greeting Loyal Airmen, today is a very special day throughout the world, as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

One of the Air Chief’s favorite Christmas song is “Holy Night.” In Roquemaure at the end of 1943, the church organ had recently been renovated. To celebrate the event, the parish priest persuaded poet Placide Cappeau, a native of the town, to write a Christmas poem. Soon afterwards that same year, Adopphe Adam composed the music. The song was premiered in Roquemaure in 1847 by the opera singer Emily Laurey. The song would remain solely in French until 1855 when Unitarian minister John Sullivan Dwight, editor of “Dwight’s Journal of Music” wrote the English version now known the world over.

O holy night, the stars are brightly shining:

It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth!

Long lay the world in sin and error pining,

Till he appeared and the soul felt its worth.

A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices,

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices!

O night divine, O night when Christ was born!

O night, divine, O night, O night divine!

And so, on this day of great tidings, Valerie and the Air Chief wish all of you Loyal Airmen and your families and loved ones a truly joyous MERRY CHRISTMAS! God bless you all.

Ron – Over & Out!!