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HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF BOB HOPE
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| September 30th, 2003 |
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Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding, and I rise today as the co-chair of the Congressional USO Caucus to mourn the loss of the legendary entertainer Mr. Bob Hope, who recently passed away July 27 at the age of 100.
The gentleman from Texas (Mr. Reyes), who is the co-chair of the Congressional USO Caucus, and I drafted this resolution soon after Mr. Hope's death in July. Incidentally, Mr. Speaker, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Reyes) regrets he is not able to be present today for this resolution. However, he has submitted remarks for the Congressional Record.
Bob Hope had an illustrious career which included more than 1,100 radio shows, 75 movies, and 475 television programs. He has received numerous accolades, as we have already heard this afternoon, including five special Oscars, the George Peabody Award, and more than 50 honorary degrees. For his distinguished service, he has received the Presidential Medal of Freedom awarded in 1969 in honor of his gifts of joy to all the American people. Most notably, Mr. Hope will be remembered as a selfless entertainer who was beloved by our Nation's Armed Forces.
Mr. Hope told jokes and entertained our Armed Forces overseas and at home for more than five decades. He headlined the USO shows during World War II and the Persian Gulf Wars, as well as in Korea and Vietnam. For his unmatched commitment to our Nation's Armed Forces, Mr. Hope received the Distinguished Service Medal from each branch of the Armed Forces and is the only person, the only person to ever be recognized by the United States Congress as an honorary veteran.
Mr. Hope's legacy continues today as our troops overseas are treated to a variety of entertainment headlined by this country's star performers. As a matter of fact, Drew Carey, Bruce Willis, Wayne Newton, and others have completed USO tours in Iraq. The tour recently visited 13 camps, more than 7,300 troops, with four performances, and signed over 3,000 autographs. From visits by NFL Cheerleaders to comedians, to singers, Bob Hope was the catalyst for their participation. These celebrities are truly committed to continue USO tours, even in places such as Iraq. Our troops truly appreciate the participation, and it makes their difficult service to our Nation more comfortable.
Mr. Speaker, Bob Hope loved the USO and, more importantly, loved the American soldier. Bob Hope and the USO's commitment to be America's link with her men and women in uniform have withstood the test of time. With the continued dedication of the USO legion of volunteers and charitable support from individuals and corporations, the USO will provide its touch of home for as long as we have those in service to our country.
So to Bob Hope and the USO, I say, ``Thanks for the memories.''
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There are no Floor Speechess to be displayed for this month.
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