another golden great takes final curtain call

From a veteran to the man who entertained thousands overseas: one last, heartfelt “bravo” for a lifetime of laughs and comical service.
I recently read a report that stated Bob Hope spent 25 years overseas–including 9 Christmas holidays–entertaining US Troops. That’s quite a sacrifice, when you consider the typical lifestyle of today’s primped and privileged entertainers; such an active display of devotion and support would be rare and unusual today. But Hope was always there to offer the medicine of laughter and provide an escape–if only for a few laughs–for the troops, from their daily tragedies of war.
Bob Hope passed away this past Sunday. He was a hearty 100 years old. No spring chicken but definitely a creative force that not only influenced generations of comedians but entertained thousands of ordinary people as well. Ordinary people that love their country and go to war and fight for stuff they sometimes don’t understand. Ordinary people who follow orders and take the brunt of war’s suffering. Good, decent people. People who would now salute the funny guy who so often chose to be with them in Hell rather than safe and comfortable at home.
Thanks for serving Mr. Hope and Godspeed to you. Better get lots of rest on your way to heaven. You’re going to have a HUGE audience.