Great Comedy and Patrio ‘Thanks for the Memory’

My granddaughter asked, “Who are you writing about?” I replied, “Bob Hope.” She said, “Who is that?”

As I think back on some of our American entertainment history, I can’t think of anyone more patriotic than Bob Hope. He was the ultimate entertainer and comedian. His standup comedy was known around the world.

He was also known for his comedic movies, co-starring with Bing Crosby and other entertainers. By 1940 Paramount had made him one of the highest-paid entertainers in America.

And, of course he was greatly loved by the American military men and women. Many of his USO shows were also televised for all of us to enjoy. And, every show always ended with his signature song, “Thanks For The Memory.”

In 1941, Hope took his first USO tour to military bases across the United States. It was supposed to be a one-time gesture. It became the defining commitment of his life.

From that point forward, for more than half a century, he spent part of nearly every year traveling to wherever American men and women in uniform were stationed— often at great personal risk.

On one occasion Hope was performing near a war zone. It was Christmas Day, and he was about to perform for thousands of American soldiers who hadn’t seen home in months. Then came a distant boom of artillery firing near enough to shake the ground. The crowd froze. Military escorts moved toward Hope immediately. He stepped away from them, back to the microphone, looked out at ten thousand exhausted faces, and said calmly, “Relax fellas. If they’re shooting at us, that means we’re the most important people in the world.” The crowd broke into laughter— and the show went

on.

To the men’s delight, Hope always brought the most popular men and beautiful women entertainers on his USO tours.

In his career, Bob Hope received many awards. He was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 1962. Congress later passed a law declaring him an Honorary Veteran of the United States Armed Forces— the only individual ever granted that distinction. Presidents from Franklin Roosevelt to George W. Bush acknowledged what he gave to this country.

From 1941 to 1991, Bob Hope did 57 USO tours entertaining military personnel around the world. Once he was asked why he kept going back year after year. He answered simply, “Because Christmas in a war zone is when a laugh weighs the most.”

For his contribution, he never took pay for any of his tours. “Thanks for the memories, Bob Hope!”