House Concurrent Resolution 80

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TEDDY BEAR.

WHEREAS, for nearly a century, the Teddy Bear has remained one of America's all-time favorite toys; and

WHEREAS, the origin of the Teddy Bear dates back to a hunting excursion made by President Theodore Roosevelt to Smedes, Mississippi, on November 14, 1902; and

WHEREAS, during that particular hunting expedition, President Roosevelt refused to shoot a small, exhausted black bear; and

WHEREAS, the shot not fired at the cuddly creature in the Mississippi Delta was soon heard around the land as a great credit to the heroic and sportsmanlike conduct of President Roosevelt; and

WHEREAS, after political cartoonist Clifford Berryman's depiction of President Roosevelt's humane act on this journey, the plush toy bear, appropriately named the "Teddy Bear," evolved and continues to be a universal symbol of love, comfort and joy for children of all ages; and

WHEREAS, it is because of President Roosevelt's visit to the State of Mississippi that the legacy of the Teddy Bear became a reality for all who enjoy the warmth afforded by such a momentous symbol:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commemorate President Theodore Roosevelt's November 14, 1902, hunting expedition to Mississippi and his famous act of compassion, which, 100 years later, is still celebrated throughout the land with the beloved stuffed toy, the Teddy Bear.