Boyds Bear Country Hosts Armed Forces Family Celebration Featuring Local Troop Greetings and Chinook Chopper Landing.

GETTYSBURG,Pa. -- When the Folks at Boyds Bear Country in historic Gettysburg, Pennsylvania do something -- there's only one way they do it -- big! That's just how "The World's Most Humongous Teddy Bear Store" plans to celebrate the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces and the strong families that stand behind them as they defend our country's freedom. The celebration, to be held May 21 from nine o'clock a.m. until five o'clock p.m. at the family-oriented shopping, dining and entertainment destination, marks the first time in many years that a major celebration of Armed Forces Day will be held in the Gettysburg area.

"It's just such a natural fit for the area," Boyds Bear Country Manager James Elwell stated, "this is a very patriotic region where the military is a major part of our lives, culture and economy. We saw that there have been no major celebrations to honor these courageous men and women and their families in the Gettysburg region, so we're stepping up to the plate." Coordinated in conjunction with all branches of the military, veterans and other military service and family support organizations; the all-day event will feature hands-on, interactive displays and presentations designed to be both fun and educational as well as a show of honor for the sacrifices that service men and women and their families make for the well-being of us and our families. "What makes this celebration unique and touching is the focus on the family aspect of military service," said David Tebo, Area Chair for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), "members of the Armed Forces have family and friends just like anyone. They're soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines, but they're people, too."

Doors open at 9:00 a.m. and festivities begin shortly after with a star-spangled parachute jump, including the first-ever parachuting Boyds Bear, to kick off the opening ceremony, a live landing and display of a massive, twin rotor Chinook troop transport helicopter, equipment and artillery displays featuring a Howitzer, five-ton vehicle and a restored Korean War-vintage Willys Jeep; a mini Air Force Raptor jet replica, a presentation by the Army Heritage Center at Carlisle Barracks, an Army rock climbing wall, and more. Representatives of all branches of the service will make addresses; present information, history, tools of the trade and answer questions all day long while crowds are entertained with live patriotic music performances. State Representative Stephen Maitland is also scheduled to make an address.

The standout, can't miss event of the day, will take place around noon with greetings home from local troops serving overseas. Greetings to the troops from visitors and the signing of an ESGR pledge of support for the jobs of employees of The Boyds in the service will be taped and sent back to the troops. Visitors will also be able e-mail messages to troops through a dedicated terminal.

Visitors may honor military and veteran loved ones by placing their photo on the Wall of Honor or posting a flag in the Field of Honor. Respectfully, a Missing Man Table, Fallen Comrade Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial and Healing Field, a nationally recognized display honoring those who have given their lives in the war on terror, will also be on display to pay honor and tribute to those who gave all.

Members of the Armed Forces or their spouses with military ID will be recognized throughout the day and given complimentary plush Boyds Military Bears. A local Girl Scout Troop will also give free Girl Scout Cookies to anyone in uniform or with a military ID.

"Boyds Bears and Boyds Bear Country are all about the American family; and right now, few things are more precious to American families than freedom and security," states Jan Murley, CEO of The Boyds Collection Ltd., "we are thrilled to be able to open the doors to our Big Ol' Barn to honor the very folks who work to ensure our liberty remains secure."

The Boyds Collection, Ltd., founded in 1979, is a leading designer and manufacturer of high quality, branded and handcrafted plush collectibles and other specialty gift and decor products. Boyds sells its products through a large network of retailers and other channels, including its own Boyds Bear Country retail stores, unique family entertainment dining and shopping experiences in Gettysburg, PA and Pigeon Forge, TN. Boyds unique, affordably priced, "Folksy with Attitude" gifts and collectables have created a strong niche and sense of brand recognition for the company. Boyds is a publicly traded company (NYSE: FOB). Visit on-line at www.boydsstuff.com

Boyds Bear Country - Gettysburg is located at 75 Cunningham Road, off Business U.S. 15, five miles south of Gettysburg. Normal operating hours are 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., seven days a week. For this special event, Boyds Bear Country will open at 9 a.m. For interviews, high-resolution photos or additional information, please call or e-mail Rich Scotti at 717-633-9898, ext. 2183 or [e-mail].