Bush Sets Bob Hope Namesake Award

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Bush Sets Bob Hope Namesake Award
NewsMax Wires
Friday, May 30, 2003
WASHINGTON -- Comedian Bob Hope was honored by the White House Thursday on his 100th birthday with establishment of a namesake annual award for those who have demonstrated extraordinary love of country and devotion to the personnel of the United States armed forces.
The Bob Hope Patriotism Award was created by an executive order from President George W. Bush and would be granted at a president's discretion.

In his order, Bush said the award aimed to encourage love of country, service to the people of the United States and support for the U.S. military services.

It was also in recognition of the "unique and lifelong service of Bob Hope to the United States Armed Forces and to the Nation during his unwavering patriotism and dedication to maintaining the morale of the troops."

Hope, born in England but raised in Cleveland, made it a personal crusade to entertain U.S. forces at home and overseas in war zones in virtually every conflict the United States was engaged in, beginning with World War II.

Declining health caused him to abandon the practice following the 1990-1991 Gulf War.

The White House said both individuals and organizations were eligible.