USPS to Issue Bob Hope Stamp

WASHINGTON, DC — Postmaster General John Potter announced today that celebrated entertainer Bob Hope will be immortalized on a First-Class commemorative stamp next spring. The stamp image will be previewed on Nov. 24 in New York City at Ellis Island.

“The Postal Service is proud to immortalize the achievements of Bob Hope,” said Potter. “He was not only one of our nation’s most revered entertainers, but he was also a true American who selflessly dedicated more than half a century of his life to entertaining our men and women serving in uniform overseas — both in war and peace.”

Bob Hope (1903-2003) enjoyed a lifetime of success on stage and in radio, television and film. He moved to America from England a hundred years ago (1908) and quickly exhibited a natural talent for making people laugh. Hope traveled around the globe performing for U.S. troops and hosted numerous highly rated TV specials.

Although Hope never officially served in the U.S. Armed Forces, he dedicated a significant part of his life to entertaining America’s men and women in uniform, starting in 1941 and continuing through Operation Desert Storm five decades later. After giving hundreds of performances overseas, he earned the nickname “G.I. Bob” and in 1997 became the first person recognized by the U.S. Congress as an “honorary veteran of the United States Armed Forces.” Hope’s thousands of honors also included the Congressional Gold Medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Among his many friends were several U.S. presidents, with whom he often played golf for charity.

He died at his home in Toluca Lake, CA, on July 27, 2003, two months after his 100th birthday.