I am too young
to really know him
But I grew up
with his movies
on Saturday afternoon
Stories from my pa
of the show he saw
both in Korea
and in Vietnam
on a lonely afternoon
I got my first taste
In the Arab Desert
I couldn't go to the show
It was broadcast on radio
It brought a smile that afternoon
Mark Kirkmeyer
through alternating tears and smiles
memories of the years and miles
to a hot December sixty-nine
when I saw a star...and watched it shine
a nation mourns their G.I. Bob
its veterans give collective sob
your last show Mr. Hope, gets the highest rating
"The Road To Heaven"....has your Oscar waiting
Randy Richmond
Many Thanks to you, and good-bye, Bob is all I can say
To bring a smile to a soldier's face in the darkest day
You did not hesitate to put yourself in harm's way
You were the troops greatest performer
I think in your chest beat the heart of a soldier
Faye Sizemore
They say Hope springs eternal
Borne in showmanship is an essence that will never die
With soldiers that saw Hope bonded forever fraternal
Sing "Thanks for the memories" that on my mind's eye lie.
Bob Hope, with deprecating humor
Took a warriors mind off the furor
For a little while, he helped us forget
Horrors of killing Vietnam jungles beget.
Bob Hope brought a little bit of home, home to us
A favorite uncle, apple pie, song and dance, the girl next door
Fearlessly, his star-studded show went into deepest jungle, no fuss
In grieving hearts, his spirit of Hope will ever adore.
They say Hope springs eternal
I surely hope it's true
With unassuming glory, his story international
Gone Celestial, will see the heavens roll in laughter too.
Gary Jacobson
I don't think there is a soldier or sailor alive who didn't
appreciate the work that Bob Hope did for us. Though I never saw him
perform live, I grew up on his movies and television shows. he was a
true soldier, just not one in "uniform". His heart was always with
us, his hopes were always with us. He was a hero through and
through, for his wars were fought with humor and love...he gave of
himself always. He was one man whose life was surrounded by
charity...he gave and gave, and never with the expectation of having
his name associated with his gifts.
He is a man who will be missed greatly.
Rhea MacDonald
And The Show Goes On...
One hundred years... full of laughter... and tears
God had been good...blessing him... with many years
From World War II, Korea, and Vietnam's jungle Hell
to Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom's quell
with the USO shows... he would always come
Bring them some smiles... was Hope's rule of thumb
The applause and cheering... it was always loud
So many faces....these soldiers... in harms crowd
Question... foremost in his mind... and tear in his eye,
Could he make them laugh before their time came to die
A final curtain is drawn on an earthly stage
The entertainer who exited was of goodly age
Bob Hope has gone on to entertain the troops on God's Distant Shore
where the laughter now... is scared...and the curtain falls...
nevermore
Faye Sizemore
7/28/03
Half Staff to a Hero
Though the years came and went,
Some of us will not forget,
All the laughter and the tears,
Bob has given us through the years,
Lifting the spirits of soldiers in Nam,
Making us laugh on TV Land,
It's hard to believe that a legend has died,
In my heart he will remain,
A friend a hero a brother just the same.
Flags half-staff, for a man so great,
Flags half-staff, forever in soldier's Hearts,
Flags half-staff, for the hero named Hope,
Flags half-staff, for a Hero.
Danielle N Calhoun
© July 28, 2003
