Celebrate Our Veterans Day
With Letters From Men And Women
of the Armed Forces,
In DEAR BOB ...
Bob Hope's Wartime Correspondence with
the G.I.s of World War II

Bob Hope Mini Bio: https://bobhope.org/dearbobmore

Bob Hope WWII Sample B-Roll: https://youtu.be/C87i7cy9dkY  

2020 was the 75th anniversary of the end of WWII. Although, however the pandemic kept many from celebrating the anniversary.  We would like to suggest making 2021 an extra special tribute by celebrating the men and women of our armed forces who served and are serving.

We would, at this time, like to suggest taking a look at the unique relationship between Bob Hope and “The Greatest Generation,” by way of the USO, is too important to go unrecognized for a year. Never before has it been as important to remember and pay homage to our veterans and today's members of the armed services. And how better, than to hear directly from our veterans through the tens of thousands of letters sent to Bob Hope. Over eighty thousand alone are now in the Library of Congress for the public and, hopefully, family members to read.

“Dear Bob.... Bob Hope's Wartime Correspondence with the G.I.'s of World War II," by Martha Bolton with Bob Hope's daughter, Linda Hope, is a time capsule that reveals exactly how important Hope's remarkable service was to the fighting men and women of World War II.  The authors have collected personal letters, postcards, packages, and more sent back and forth among Hope and the troops and their loved ones back home.

“Anywhere we went, whenever we landed … we would always do an impromptu show. We'd go into one of our little bits. Then we'd go to the next place. The troupe was constantly on, constantly entertaining-whether it was three people in the commissary, or the entire unit.” - Bob Hope

Humanity, caring, commitment, support of the troops-that was the mission of the Bob Hope shows. When the USO was founded in 1941 and Hope began performing, he provided a crucial link to home for military families. Communication wasn't instantaneous like it is today. In the 1940s and 1950s, Hope often did his radio show from military bases overseas.

“The people back at home loved hearing something from a base from where one of their loved ones was stationed,” remarked Hope's daughter Linda, adding, "Handwritten letters were cherished. Dad received an average of 38,000 letters a week. He would dictate responses to be typed and mailed off by his secretary. The letters were amazing,” Linda said. “They had to deal with a variety of topics-asking when they were going to be coming home, and could they visit with him on the set or meet Lana Turner or Rita Hayworth.”

Some letters were more serious. Families of GIs who died would send a letter to Hope writing that the last thing they heard from their loved one was they had seen the Hope show and what a fun time that was, how grateful they were he had given them that respite from the awful conditions.

"Dear Bob" provides an intimate perspective on the WWII years for Bob and the service men and women as they fought, were entertained and attempted to sustain themselves. "Dear Bob" is engaging-sometimes emotional, sometimes humorous, and always memorable.

MARTHA BOLTON was the first woman staff writer for Bob Hope, helping to write his television specials, personal appearances, and military shows for approximately fifteen years. She is an Emmy-nominated writer and author of eighty-eight books of humor and inspiration. She has received nominations for a Dove Award, WGA Award, and a Gold- en Scroll Merit Award for Fiction. LINDA HOPE, is the eldest daughter of Bob and Dolores Hope. She is the Producer of the Emmy Award winning TV Special: Bob Hope: The First 90 Years. She also wrote My Life in Jokes, a collection of jokes honoring her father's 100th birthday. Linda produced his TV shows for over 20 years, ran Hope Enterprises and has spent the last two decades perpetuating her father's legacy.

The letters found in “Dear Bob…” are as relevant today as they were when Hope began entertaining our troops 80 years ago as well as 75 years ago as WWII came to an end. In addition to fans of the golden age of television; the children and grandchildren of the greatest generation; historians and teachers of history, especially WWII history; active military, veterans, and their families; the entertainment industry and fans of the entertainment industry; the audience reach for this book is almost inexhaustible. This unforgettable collection of letters and images, many of which remained in Hope's personal files throughout his life and now reside at the Library of Congress, capture a personal side of both writer and recipient in a very special and often-emotional way. This volume heralds the voices of those servicemen and women whom Hope entertained and who, it is clear, delighted and inspired him.

Please contact our office for any additional materials, images or to request an interview with Ms. Bolton about “Dear Bob.... Bob Hope's Wartime Correspondence with the G.I.'s of World war II"

For more information on the book please visit: https://bobhope.org/dearbobmore

Bob Hope's Wartime Correspondence with the G.I.s of World War II By Martha Bolton & Linda Hope

Hardcover: 9781496832658, 328 pages, 278 b&w illustrations, March 2021

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About the Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation supports organizations that bring “HOPE” to those in need and those who served to protect our nation. The Foundation also supports charitable organizations that preserve and honor the legacy of Bob Hope as an American entertainer, humanitarian, patriot, sportsman and supporter of military personnel and their families.

The Bob Hope Legacy honors and preserves the "Spirit of Bob Hope", underscoring his career as a world class entertainer, comedian, patriot and humanitarian. The broader Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation, which supports the Bob Hope Legacy, was established to provide for and assure the continuation of the philanthropic ideals of Bob and Dolores Hope.