The Laughing Wolf

For There Is Always Hope

Yes, there will always be Hope, in our minds, our hearts, and in our laughter. He turns 100 this week, and the salutes are coming fast and thick. In the past, such things have embarrassed him, but now is the time to honor the man whilst he is still here.

Jennifer, Danny, Jeannene, and all you other twits out there, sit down, shut up, and look at a real performer and a real man. There are none in Hollywood today who measure up to Bob Hope in any area. He was a star of stage, radio, movies, and television, a song-and-dance man who moved up in four different professional venues to become a true star, a legend in each. Really, if you add in business, it was five areas for he was a shrewd businessman who took his money and made it grow.

But Bob Hope did not just sit on his laurels, nor did he go and do things for avarice and self-aggrandizement. He took some of that money that he had earned and then invested, and gave back to the world. One fine example is a small little medical center near Palm Springs named for a president who was also a friend. Word is that he quietly and without fanfare was a benefactor to many worthy causes.

He also did for our troops, starting before WWII and continuing through GWI. He did not condescend to do such, for he did not look down on the soldiers as inferior or political pawns. Bob Hope genuinely respected the troops, and the sacrifices they made. He felt it an honor to be with them, and of the many awards he has earned, earned I say, the one that appears to have meant the most to him was being made an honorary veteran – the only person ever so honored.

The biographies and special are in full force this weekend, and it is only right. He loved the troops and did right by them. So much so that they insisted he become one of them, and when they had the power and the opportunity they made it happen. So honor this man, this entertainer, this troop who did so much for so many. Heroes do come in many forms, and bear many weapons, and Bob Hope used his mind and his quick wit to support many, and most especially those on the sharp end.

In so doing, he set a standard for those that follow. A standard worthy of a Nelson, a Patton, a Murphy; for each of these set the bar in their area of expertise. Those who would follow, those who would entertain us, there is your mark.

Thank you, Mr. Hope. Thank you for laughter, thank you for joy, thank you for the women and the reminder of what they were fighting for. Thank you for the comfort you gave those who were wounded, and most of all to those that would die. Thank you for being there, and giving your all.

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