Bob Hope: The model of patriotism, generosity, and commitment

Brought to you by: Cuyahoga County Veterans Service Commission

Good thing rank has nothing to do with popularity.

Bob Hope would have been our Commander-in-Chief for four wars: WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and the Middle East.

To say our Honorary Commander-in-Chief had heart for us damns by faint praise. He had an enormous heart for every grunt, swabbie, flyboy, and jarhead. He cared for each one of us. When he stopped to visit and entertain us, he was one of us.

And he proved it. He went where we were. He was committed to making troops smile and laugh. He made us laugh during war’s intermissions. He was indefatigable: Fifty seven trips to our troops. Where Hope found his energy and commitment, we’ll never know. All we know for sure is that we’re grateful. He made memories for us that will always be with us.

During the Vietnam War, some entertainers balked at Hope’s request to join the troupe. But Hope didn’t care so much about the politics behind war; he cared about the men and women in dirty uniforms and worried faces, and to hell with political correctness.

At an age when most of us are dreaming about retirement, the 61-year old trouper brought his joy and comradeship to Vietnam in 1964.

Taking entertainment to the troops was a complicated task carried out.

If there’s a heaven, our friend and Honorary Commander-in-Chief Bob Hope is lounging in the clubhouse, waiting for us. He wants to welcome us home. We want to say “Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.” Thank you, Bob Hope, for the memories.

Here’s the link of the original article: https://bit.ly/2E94D67. 

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