We have lost an icon today - thanks for the memories to Bob Hope.

Just got the CNN e-mail.

He was a real entertainer, a real American. He will be missed.

Yes, he was a great American icon - someone that I would have like to have known.

CubDave: What is the deal with the death watch - is it a hobby? You seem to have the news before anyone else and that's kind of scary.

No T - just get CNN Breaking News e-mails, that's all.

He was a great comedian and a superb entertainer for years and years. What a great legacy he leaves.

I only saw Bob Hope perform once. About 15 years ago He appeared in St. Louis at our Independence Day fair. He was set up on a platform right underneath the Gateway Arch. He was still funny. I guess the true great ones always stay relavent. Kind of like great music.

I pay homage to Mr. Hope on my compliance website. Take a look at the "About Me" page.

Compliance Collection: About Me

I am truly saddened. An end of an era. I miss the simpler more wholesome forms of entertainment that Mr. Hope and other like him provided us. Corny, yes, but he was real. There is so little that is real in entertainment anymore--particularly reality TV. Goodbye indeed Mr. Hope.

Oh, and those "road" movies were just great! He'll be missed by many.

Bob Hope was such a talented individual, he could do it all, sing, dance and roll off one liners one after another. Compared to today's entertainers, that are so one dimensional, he was a real "Entertainer" in the real sense of the word.
I heard this morning that President Bush has ordered all flags at half staff on the day of his burial. Because of all he gave our country, I thought that that was very appropriate.

Did anyone see A&E's Biography on Bob Hope last night?

It showed him not only as a great entertainer, but a truly compassionate individual - especially to the service men and women of this country. He selflessly gave of himself to a countless number of people defending our country, often at risk to his own life.

It was particularly moving to see footage of him personally meeting the sick and wounded in various red cross stations throughout all the wars. You could see how he connected with each person, some of whom were literally on their death beds. The blood on his collar was a silent testimony to his willingness to draw close to each man - physically and emotionally.

Also, I learned that many, many families would contact his show months after it aired here in the states, saying that the last time they saw their son was when the camera panned the crowd. Bob Hope's crew would then search without end to try and find that footage to send a copy to the grieving family.

That chokes me up even now. My husband served in the Navy, and last night as we watched the biography, we both found ourselves with tight throats and brimming eyes.

How appropriate that he was made an honorary veteran just a few years ago. Never again will we have such a man as he.

It is for sale. I don't know that they'll air it again soon, but I am sure it will come up again.

He was incomparable. Superlatives are inadequate to describe his contributions to our service men and women - he gave his time and talents generously for 50 years. I trust the military will accord him the final honors due a great hero.

I had the great pleasure to see him live at one of BAI's conventions in the late '70's. His material was up to the moment and was laced with jokes about bankers and banking that would never have shown up in other shows. It was a memorable evening.

From USA TODAY (July 30, 2003):

Hope family turns down Arlington offer

Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-COLO.) on Tuesday introduced a bill that would have allowed Bob Hope to be buried in Arlington National Cemetery, a privilege usually reserved for U.S. military veterans. "The Hope family is tremendously honored," said Hope's long-time publicist, Ward Grant. "I told the senator that indeed Bob Hope is worthy of being buried in Arlington, because we feel he is an American hero to the G.I. But (Hope's widow) Dolores and the family want him close by, here in California."


Fans say thanks for Bob Hope memories

Bob Hope's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and his Los Angeles home have become impromptu memorials after fans left flowers, photos, letters, and mementos. Hope died Sunday at age 100. President Bush has ordered all flags to be lowered to half-staff today. Hope will be buried today at an undisclosed cemetery. An invitation-only memorial service will be held Aug. 27 at St. Charles Catholic Church in North Hollywood, followed by a public memorial tribute at the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.


Thanks for the memories:
http://www.byjoy.com/BobHope.html

He was truly a unique individual
A man oc compassion like you say, as well as a gifted entertainer. He was 1 of a kind.
There was an article in our local paper yesterday, that he had visited our area after a disasterous flood in 1972-73.
It was amazing what he did for our troops, he was committed to his profession and family. To live that long and be devoted to his wife and children as he did, is an example that we all should follow.
Laughter is truly good medicine and I think it is what has kept him going for so long. It is good for the soul.
Goodbye Bob, you will be surely missed.

The conclusion on where Bob Hope is buried.
http://www.cnn.com/2003/SHOWBIZ/TV/07/30/bobhope.funeral.ap/index.html