[Diver Dave]

Teddy Bear Day, eh?

Here's a pic of a Land of the Free Because of the Brave Teddy Bear I got last year at our local Veteran's Day Celebration.

I squeezed into my 44 year old set of Dress Blues and attended church services in the morning and then the program in the afternoon. The organizers of the celebration passed out these Teddy Bears to those of us in uniform.

The bear is holding a letter to "Soldier, Airman, Sailor, Marine, Guardsman and Veteran". By pressing a button in the foot, a recorded message with various voices expressing thanks begins to play "Dear Soldier ....". Not ashamed to admit that tears well up when I hear it played. He also wears a dog tag which reads "Land of the Free Because of the Brave".

A program is in the works at our church for Veteran's Day 2008. Part of the program will be a Veteran's Choir. So far, 50 Vets have signed up to sing "Eternal Father, Strong to Save" and "The Mansions of the Lord." It's gonna be another great day! Hope to video the entire service.

[Billie]

Oh, Dave, I love that teddy bear, and it made me a little teary-eyed to read your post. The expression on that little guy's face is so very sweet.

I was going to post you guys' teddy bears from before. :)

Before there were automobiles... and planes....

[jaycee]

Such a sweet Teddy in his camouflage and lovely story. Its easy for all of us to understand that it brings tears to all when it includes our military Heroes.