HopeTribute

Bob Hope was the best entertainer of the 20^th century. He was funny, sentimental, serious about his favorite causes and just possibly one of the best representations of a human being on this earth. He was 100 years old when he died, yet he lived many lifetimes within that time span.

For more than 50 years, he helped to boost the morale of the military with his famous (and sometimes infamous) USO shows. Almost all veterans from WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and the first Gulf War have some memory of a Bob Hope USO show. I never had the privilege of meeting the man in this lifetime, but I and the others who admired and respected him will meet him one day. Until then, I will just think about how he is probably cracking jokes and entertaining the troops who didn't come home from war. How he is probably tiptoeing and singing around the heavenly dance floor with Bing Crosby and Dorothy Lamour!

I am sure that we will all get to reminisce with the many Christmas specials and charity golf tournaments, "Road to … " movies, the many USO shows and special tributes that will air over the next weeks. I will laugh, and I will cry ("Silent Night" will forever be my favorite Christmas song and will always bring tears to my eyes!) and I will remember. My tissue boxes (and I am sure that I will need more than one) are all lined up in preparation. Until then … please raise a teacup, a coffee cup, a cup of water or just whatever you are drinking at the moment, and say with me, "May you rest in peace and know that you will be missed and fondly remembered by the many hearts that you have touched over the years! Thanks for the memories, Mr. Hope!"

A few weeks ago I watched Mr. Hope's 100th birthday special. Can't remember now who said he was the bravest man he ever knew because he could spend endless hours with the wounded and never let it get to him, not in front of them anyway. That's not the exact wording but close enough.

On another special broadcast, a USO representative said it all, "Bob Hope set the standard for volunteerism."

Thank you Elizabeth, and now others (see comments below), for putting your thoughts into words and allowing me to share. I can't think of a better way to express my esteem. Certainly there's no better time to honor a celebrity hero considering how many celebrity idiots continue to spout their garbage.

Elizabeth Barnes is the force behind The Memorial Flag Project, www.memorialflag.org. The flag is approximately 63 feet long and 35 feet tall. It is comprised of approximately 3793 squares with victims' names and representative symbols cross stitched by more than 1300 men, women and children from all over the world.

The flag measurements in feet are correct - truly has to be seen to be believed. Learn how anyone can still support the project on its travels across the country: T-shirts and posters are now available.

I can certainly see why Elizabeth's piece merited a page. Such a tribute must be sent around the world along as many avenues as possible. Her sentiments echo those of many who may not be able to voice them. Especially those in military service who were privileged to hear and see the man that he was, beyond the star that he became.

To those with whom he came in contact, my heart goes out. Their sadness would be as losing a special friend.

What a legacy the man has left us. Such a wealth of compassion and generosity, for sure, will have enriched the multiverse in ways beyond our capability to imagine. We can, truly, say that the world is a better place because he lived.

And, for sure, I'm going to shake his hand, with heartiness, when I meet him in the plane beyond. If we can't follow his example, at least we can treasure it and give his memory the respect and esteem that it deserves. ~ Alice W.

Wonderful tribute, yes he will be missed, by all. Those who never were able to see his performances will not know what they have missed. But the miss will be there. He added a lot to the character of a lot of people. Heaven knows we need a lot more character now days. ~ WH

Hope graphics contributed by readers. Please let me know in case of copyright infringement. MarthaJones1@aol.com