Remembering Bob Hope
This week an American icon left our midst.  Bob Hope lived 100 years, the Wright brothers made their first successful powered flight the same year as his birth.  In his 100 years of living, Hope impacted our lives as much as the airplane. 

Bob Hope has been an integral of Americana for as long as I can remember, as long as my parents can remember, and for a majority of my grandparents lives.  Born in England, Hope's family moved to the US while he was still a small child.  From his early participation in a Charlie Chaplin "Little Tramp" imitation contest, which he won in 1915, through decades in vaudeville, motion pictures, radio and television, Hope captured the imagination and funny bone of the American public. 

Yet, it was the military where Hope's heart yearned to be.  When war broke out in 1941 Hope rushed to enlist but was turned down by the military who said he could do the country more good by visiting the troops   Nine months later .
July 30, 2003
he began what would turn out to become his legacy, the USO shows to troops on the battlefront.  He continued visiting, encouraging, humoring and bringing a bit of home to those protecting freedom in foreign lands such as Korea, Vietnam, and his final USO tour during Operation Desert Storm. 

His public service brought him the love and admiration of Presidents and leaders of industry, entertainment and the military, but what Hope treasured most was the opportunity to bring a smile to the lips of a soldier far from home and family.  The Bob Hope Classic became the game to play as he combined his love for golf with his love of giving.  His wife of 67 years, Delores, was the love of his life.  When they met while she was singing in the Vogue Club he was immediately struck by her and 3 months later, February 19, 1934 they were married.  Unlike many Hollywood marriages where rumors of infidelity swirl like so many gnats, the Hopes remained true and committed to each other throughout the years.

Hope remained mostly out of the public eye in recent years, even missing his well publicized 100th birthday party celebrations on May 29 of this year.  Yet his absence failed to discourage the thousands who came out to celebrate the life of this giant of not only entertainment, but of America, this patriot and lover of America and Americans, Bob Hope.  We will miss you, Bob.  Thanks for so many great memories.


While the you have to visit the Library of Congress in person to see it, you can read about the Bob Hope Joke File online and a few of the jokes in it here and here.