A tribute to Bob Hope: monument designed to rediscover and appreciate the significance of Hope's wartime service

VFW Magazine, Nov, 2002 by Shannon Hanson

Plans are currently under way for a tribute to legendary comedian Bob Hope in recognition of his efforts for U.S. servicemen and women. Planned for a waterfront site in the Port of San Diego, the $10 million tribute will be dedicated on May 29, 2003, Hope's 100th birthday.

The tribute, 47 feet in diameter, will be located in a grove of coral trees. Five bronze statues of Hope in various performance skits at five periods of his career (WWII, Korea, Vietnam, the Cold War and Persian Gulf) will be mounted on the points of a star-shaped stage.

Five additional statues representing servicemen from the five branches of the military will be located around the perimeter. A large panel portraying large crowds of laughing troops will stand behind each statue.

In the middle, a large rotating globe with a small airplane, mounted over water, will represent Hope's extensive travels while entertaining troops. Finally, three additional panels will represent Hope himself, his family and other entertainers who participated in his tours.

Lush landscaping will help attract visitors, who will trigger recordings of Hope's performances as they walk around the tribute.

The Military Tribute to Bob Hope is spearheaded by Taffy III, a group of WWII Navy veterans who survived the Battle of Leyte Gulf on Oct. 25, 1944. Members also have erected other monuments along San Diego Harbor, including the Battle of Leyte Gulf Memorial. Honorary board members include Chairman and former President Gerald Ford, the Rev. Billy Graham, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), entertainer Connie Stevens and VFW Past Commander-in-Chief John Gwizdak.

The Port District of San Diego donated the $5 million parcel of land where the tribute will stand, leaving organizers to raise the remaining $5 million. Fund raising efforts started in February 2001, and construction will begin once startup funds are generated.

Hope entertained troops from WWII to the Persian Gulf War, appearing before hundreds of thousands of GIs during his 50-year career. In 1997, an act of Congress made him an "honorary veteran." Upon receiving the award, Hope said, "I've been given many awards in my lifetime, but to be numbered among the men and women I admire most is the greatest honor I have ever received."

Military Tribute to Bob Hope

P.O. Box 919012

San Diego, CA 92121

www.hopetribute.org

Not the Only, Tribute

The planned tribute in San Diego is not the only one dedicated to Bob Hope. On May 29, his 99th birthday, Hope was honored with the dedication of the Bob Hope Veterans Chapel at the Los Angeles National Cemetery. Some 85,000 servicemen are buried at the cemetery, known as "Arlington West."

The Spanish Revival-style chapel was designed in 1938 and according to the Los Angeles Times, houses administrative offices, archival exhibits and a medal display. It now also includes a plaque honoring Hope with the inscription: "On behalf of all veterans whose lives were touched by this legendary performer."

VFW RESOLUTION NO. 308

Support the concept of a tribute to Bob Hope to be built in San Diego, Calif., in recognition of his lifetime of service to the men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States.