Toys for Tots - Guard Duty

This has been one of my all-time favorites, first airing in 1997, the year Baby Queen was born. Teen Queen was two and just starting to get into Christmas. When this came on TV, TQ would be stuck to the screen; she'd reach out and try to hold the Marine's hand. She immediately connected the commercial with the Toys for Tots campaign at the local stores, and always looked for the Marines. Fortunately, we'd usually find a couple at the start of the campaign; after that, it was usually run by auxiliary members. But every year she picks out a toy and takes it to the collection bin and gets a sucker. And sometimes a handshake. Which she grins about for days. You Marines are a handsome lot. This is her Christmas tradition. Every year. And I never get through it without a lump in my throat and dust in my eyes.

Semper Fi, all you Marines. You are hard men doing hard things to protect those who can't protect themselves and we thank you.