Thanks For The Memoires

                Thanks For The Memories, Bob.

We were fortunate enough to watch a Bob Hope retrospective tonight, on the local PBS network. It was a nostalgic and heart warming trip down memory lane.

Born Leslie Townes Hope, in England and son of a stonemason, Bob Hope was to emerge as one of the most beloved of American entertainers in the twentieth century.

“Thanks For the memories” is one of Bob Hope’s trademark songs. It evoked nostalgia of simpler times when people looked out for each other.  He was an entertainer with a gift who brought laughter and good feelings to millions. His most heartwarming performances were reserved for soldiers overseas.

Battle hardened marines sang “Silent Night,” with mist covered eyes, during his Christmas season visits. Other audiences, often on the eve of battle, howled with laughter at his witticisms, often directed at his own failings. He brought the feelings of “home” to these fine soldiers, sometimes amidst the filth and slaughter of battle. It was a message of the goodness and the decency that they all remembered, emanating from their many small towns scattered across the length of America. He was a reminder to them of who they were and what they were fighting for. They couldn’t go home, so Bob brought it to them.

Few have given so much to so many. “Thanks for the memories, Mr. Hope.” May the heavenly roads rise up to meet you and the celestial winds be always at your back.

                                                Joseph Xavier Martin