May 29, 2003
Thanks for the memories
Bob Hope -- actor, comedian, song-and-dance man, patriot -- is 100 years old today. He's been a superstar in America and around the world since long before most of us were born. No one appreciates him more than members of the U.S. military, for whom he has repeatedly toiled even at the risk of his own life. Congratulations to Bob Hope - a national treasure.
The Library of Congress has a very good Web tribute to Bob Hope's career. Check it out.
NPR had a nice report today on Morning Edition, including expanded coverage with photos and audio clips.
Stars and Stripes has collected remembrances from military personnel. Two of the best comments:
It has been said that Bob Hope traveled millions of miles while entertaining millions of troops. I'm very proud to have been just one of the millions to see him perform. In this day and age where so many are considered heroes, it seems that there needs to be a more powerful word to describe Bob Hope. After all, look at all the war-torn nations he visited. Take into account the hours of dedicated service to his country that he invested in freedom, liberty and the American way. In my way of recollection, I cannot think of a single person who consistently performed their duties for so long a time. - W.R. (Bill) Barbour, Jr., MassachusettsPosted by Alan at May 29, 2003 06:10 AMI was hot, homesick and scared, but for those few hours that day, I forgot those feelings. I enjoyed seeing Bob Hope and knowing that he was risking his life to come to Vietnam and give the troops a chance to laugh and momentarily forget about the War. I was thrilled to be able to shake his hand at the end of the show. - Larry J. Bailey, Nevada