From World War II Pacific islands to the jungles of Vietnam to the decks of aircraft carriers in the waters of the Persian Gulf, Bob Hope lifted the spirits of America’s fighting men and women overseas for more that half a century with his famed USO shows. With the patented swing of his golf club and a flurry of jokes poking fun at military life, Hope and the troupe of entertainers that went with him around the world created special memories for those engaged in the very serious business of war. Through the generosity of the Bob Hope Estate, the museum is honored to display mementoes from some of his USO tours, including joke sheets and uniform items given to him by Navy commands. Set against the backdrop of a façade of the island of the aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy (CV 67) visitors can also see a life-size mannequin of the entertainer and hear and see original recordings of some of his shows.
A 1997 act of Congress signed by President Bill Clinton named Hope an "Honorary Veteran," the receipt of this honor inspiring the famed entertainer to remark, "I've been given many awards in my lifetime — but to be numbered among the men and women I admire most — is the greatest honor I have ever received." Hope died on July 27, 2003, just two months after his 100th birthday, leaving an unforgettable legacy of service to the United States Armed Forces.