Posted on 07/29/2003 12:02:39 AM PDT by yonif
President Bush has ordered U.S. flags lowered in honor of Bob Hope, the legendary entertainer who died Sunday in California of pneumonia. Hope was 100 and had celebrated his birthday just two months earlier.
Mr. Bush said in a proclamation Monday that as a mark of respect for Hope's memory, flags will be lowered at the White House, public buildings, and U.S. posts and military installations worldwide on the day of his burial.
Flags are also to be flown at half-mast on U.S. ships that day. The burial will be private and held in the coming days.
President Bush praised the comedian, saying he "made us laugh and lifted our spirits".
Hope starred on stage, television and in nearly 60 movies. But he is perhaps best remembered for his untiring work entertaining U.S. troops overseas, a tour of personal duty that lasted from World War Two until the first Gulf War.
Hope was born in England in 1903 but left his homeland for the United States at age four. By 1930, he was starring on the vaudeville stage. In 1938, his career took him to Hollywood.
Earlier, Buckingham Palace said Queen Elizabeth was saddened to hear of Hope's death and that she would send a message of condolence to his family.
Hope's career spanned more than 70 years. He was one of the few entertainers who became a star in all media from vaudeville to Broadway, radio, movies and television.
Hope also earned a fortune and gave generously to charity. The entertainer received so many awards that he had to rent a warehouse to store them.
Hope is survived by his wife, Dolores, four children and four grandchildren. Hope's daughter, Linda, said his impending death gave rise to one of his last jokes. When asked by his wife where he wanted to be buried, Hope answered, "surprise me."
A memorial service is planned for next month.
I would say they can have each other, but they already have.
LOL!
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