[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 66 (Tuesday, May 21, 2002)]
[House]
[Pages H2780-H2784]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        BOB HOPE VETERANS CHAPEL

  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and 
pass the bill (H.R. 4592) to name the chapel located in the national 
cemetery in Los Angeles, California, as the ``Bob Hope Veterans 
Chapel.''
  The Clerk read as follows:

                               H.R. 4592

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. NAME OF CHAPEL LOCATED IN THE NATIONAL CEMETERY IN 
                   LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA.

       Notwithstanding section 531 of title 38, United States 
     Code, the chapel located in the national cemetery located in 
     Los Angeles, California, shall after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act be known and designated as the ``Bob 
     Hope Veterans Chapel''. Any reference to such chapel in any 
     law, regulation, map, document, record, or other paper of the 
     United States shall be considered to be a reference to the 
     Bob Hope Veterans Chapel.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New 
Jersey (Mr. Smith) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith).
  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may 
consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. Cox), the prime sponsor 
of this bill.
  Mr. COX. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this 
time, and I rise today to thank my colleagues for bringing this 
legislation immediately to the floor to name the chapel at the national 
cemetery in Los Angeles as the Bob Hope Veterans Chapel.
  This national cemetery, for those who have so faithfully served their 
country, is sometimes called the Arlington Cemetery of the West. It is 
fitting to name the chapel there in honor of the Armed Services' best 
friend, a man who has served America's veterans proudly for over 60 
years.
  Before I extol the virtues of the man we intend to honor with this 
legislation, I would like first to thank my distinguished colleague, 
the gentleman from California (Mr. Waxman), with whom I have jointly 
authored this bill. It has been a pleasure working with the gentleman 
from California. He has worked actively to gather support for this 
important legislation as well.
  I would like also to thank the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. 
Bono) for her active support of Bob Hope and his family, who have long 
been her constituents in Palm Springs, California. And again I thank 
the chairman of the committee, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. 
Smith) as well as the members of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs for 
their strong support and for allowing this bill to come straight to the 
floor today.
  I would be remiss, Mr. Speaker, if I did not also thank the Secretary 
of Veterans Affairs, the Honorable Anthony Principi, as well as the 
many veterans' service organizations who have worked across the country 
in support of this legislation.
  I am also extremely grateful to my good friend from Southern 
California, Tom Saltarelli, the former mayor of Tustin, California, who 
now serves as chairman of the Veterans Park Conservancy, the group that 
first proposed to name the chapel after Mr. Hope.
  Last, but certainly not least, I want to thank Bob and his loving 
family, especially his wife Dolores, and their children, Linda, Tony, 
Nora, and Kelly, and his granddaughter Miranda, who is with us here in 
the Chamber today.
  Mr. Speaker, we are here to honor Leslie Townes Hope or, as he is 
better known to people around the world, Bob Hope. He was born on May 
29, 1903 in Eltham, England. He moved with his family to Cleveland, 
Ohio, in 1907 and shortly thereafter became a naturalized U.S. citizen 
in 1920.
  It was while he was making his start in entertainment on vaudeville 
that he first met the woman he would soon marry, his wife of 68 years, 
Dolores. They now have 4 children, as well as 4 grandchildren. 
Throughout his illustrious and prolific career, Mr. Hope made over 700 
television programs, he wrote 7 best-selling books, starred in 60 
motion pictures, and he is cited in the Guinness Book of World Records 
as the most honored entertainer. And with good reason.
  His talent has always appealed to Americans of all ages, across many

[[Page H2781]]

generations. Without a doubt, Bob Hope is best known as GI Bob, a man 
whose life was dedicated to honoring and raising the spirits of our men 
and women in uniform. Through an act of Congress in 1997, Bob Hope 
became the Nation's first and still only honorary veteran for his 
lifetime of service to America's soldiers. Whether the United States 
was at war or at peace, Bob Hope was always there.
  After nearly 60 years boosting the morale of U.S. armed forces 
through goodwill tours, USO shows, and his world-famous Christmas 
specials, Mr. Hope's status among American servicemen and women is now 
legendary. His globe-trotting spirit and his zeal for entertainment 
earned him worldwide status as the Ambassador of Goodwill. From his 
very first performance, for U.S. soldiers during World War II in May 
1941, to his Christmas show in Saudi Arabia during the Persian Gulf War 
in 1990, Mr. Hope has performed before an estimated 10 million American 
GIs.
  Mr. Speaker, Memorial Day is this weekend. Two days later, Bob Hope 
will celebrate his 99th birthday, on Wednesday of next week. I do not 
think there could be a better time to bring forward this act of 
Congress honoring a man whom our veterans and our Nation owe so much. 
H.R. 4592 permits us to honor Bob Hope in a way that will endure, even 
when he is no longer with us.
  The Los Angeles National Cemetery is dedicated solely to veterans and 
their families. Through this act of Congress we will officially name 
the chapel at the national cemetery where over 85,000 veterans are 
buried. I will submit for the Record, Mr. Speaker, letters of 
endorsement from many veterans' service organizations across the 
country. These endorsements include the California chapters of the 
Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vietnam Veterans of America, the Military 
Order of the Purple Heart, the American GI Forum, the American Legion, 
Paralyzed Veterans, Jewish War Veterans, Disabled American Veterans, 
AMVETS, and the California Association of County Veteran Service 
Officers.
  Bob Hope has become such an institution that across the street from 
this Capitol, in the original Jefferson Building of the Library of 
Congress, he is the subject of an exhibit, the ``Bob Hope Gallery of 
American Entertainment.'' This gallery, described in this brochure 
which I brought with me to the floor, shows visitors to Washington, 
D.C. Bob Hope's early life, his career on vaudeville, in motion 
pictures, television, and radio, his USO shows, and his public service.
  In so many ways Bob Hope is an American institution, and with this 
act of Congress we will memorialize it in such a fitting way for those 
men and women of our armed services who have already passed. I know all 
my colleagues will join with me in bestowing on our country's most 
beloved supporter of America's armed forces this valuable and important 
honor.
  Mr. Speaker, the letters of support I referred to earlier are as 
follows:

                            The Secretary of Veterans Affairs,

                                       Washington, March 29, 2002.
     Hon. Christopher H. Smith,
     Chairman, Committee on Veterans' Affairs,
     House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Mr. Chairman: In a February 22, 2002, letter, 
     Congressman Christopher Cox requested the views of the 
     Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on legislation to be 
     introduced that would name the chapel at the national 
     cemetery in Los Angeles, California, as the Bob Hope Veterans 
     Chapel. VA supports this bill.
       The bill would name the chapel at the national cemetery in 
     Los Angeles, California, as the Bob Hope Veterans Chapel. 
     Leslie Townes (Bob) Hope tirelessly served America's 
     servicemembers for 50 years. Beginning in May 1941, when he 
     performed his radio show for airmen at March Field, 
     California, and continuing through his Christmas show in 
     Saudi Arabia in 1990 during Operation Desert Storm, Mr. Hope 
     has taken to the road to entertain U.S. troops, no matter 
     where they were located, and through laughter helped them to 
     forget for a brief period their distance from home. This 
     legislation would honor Mr. Hope's selfless devotion to 
     America's protectors.
       There would be no significant costs associated with 
     enactment of this legislation.
       The Office of Management and Budget advises that there is 
     no objection to the submission of this report from the 
     standpoint of the Administration's program.
           Sincerely yours,
     Anthony J. Principi.
                                  ____

                                          The Bob and Dolores Hope


                                       Charitable Foundations,

                            North Hollywood, CA, October 23, 2001.
     Ms. Mary Jane Wick,
     Veterans Park Conservancy,
     Los Angeles, CA.
       Dear Mary Jane, Though I know that you have spoken with my 
     mother and you and I have talked, I wanted to let you know 
     ``officially'' on behalf of The Bob and Dolores Hope 
     Charitable Foundation and the entire Hope family how very 
     proud and honored we are that you want to name the chapel at 
     the West Los Angeles Veterans Cemetery for Bob Hope. What a 
     wonderful and meaningful tribute to a man who has found 
     strength and inspiration in the courage and selflessness of 
     the American GI. To be there with those he admires most is a 
     special accolade indeed. We all want to thank you for making 
     this possible.
       We will try to set a time for my mother to visit the 
     cemetery just as soon as she is feeling better. Thanks again 
     for everything.
           Sincerely,
     Linda Hope.
                                  ____



                                                     Bob Hope,

                                                November 16, 2001.
     Ms. Susan C. Young,
     Executive Director, Veterans Park Conservancy, Los Angeles, 
         CA.
       Dear Ms. Young. This letter will serve as confirmation that 
     Mr. Bob Hope agrees to the use of his name for the Veterans 
     Chapel (the ``Chapel'') located on the premises of the 
     National Cemetery in Westwood, with the understanding that 
     the Chapel will be renamed as ``The Bob Hope Veterans 
     Chapel.''
       The permission granted herein is conditioned on the 
     following:
       1. Mr. Hope's name will be used only as the name of the 
     Chapel and in publicity regarding the Chapel and the renaming 
     thereof.
       2. Your organization agrees that there shall be no use of 
     his name, logo or likeness or material concerning him for any 
     other purposes whatsoever, except with the prior written 
     consent of Mr. Hope or his authorized attorney-in-fact or 
     successors in interest. Any authorization received by your 
     organization from the federal government, or any agency 
     thereof, to rename the Chapel shall be conditioned on this 
     limitation.
       Your proceeding with the securing of Federal authorization 
     for the renaming of the Chapel as permitted hereunder will 
     constitute your agreement with the foregoing.
           Sincerely,
                                                          Bob Hope
     (by Dolores Hope, attorney in fact).
                                  ____



                                   Disabled American Veterans,

                               Santa Fe Springs, CA, May 14, 2002.
     Hon. Christopher Cox,
     Congressman,
     California 47th District.
       Dear Congressman Cox, The Disabled American Veterans--
     Department of California proudly supports the naming of the 
     Chapel in the National Cemetery in Los Angeles as the ``Bob 
     Hope Veterans Chapel''. This recognition is over due for a 
     man that has devoted his entire adult life supporting the men 
     and women in the military. Bob Hopes' efforts to bring 
     happiness and joy to those stationed far from home can never 
     be repaid, however, this Chapel will be a reminder for years 
     to come of what he did for those who served.
           Sincerely,
                                                   Gary Crossland,
     State Commander.
                                  ____

                                          Veterans of Foreign Wars


                                         of the United States,

                                     Washington DC, March 6, 2002.
     Hon. Christopher Cox,
     Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC.
       Dear Representative Cox: It is our understanding that you 
     are going to introduce legislation that would honor Bob Hope 
     by designating the chapel located in the National Cemetery of 
     Los Angeles, California, as the ``Bob Hope Veterans Chapel''. 
     On behalf of the 2.7 million members of the Veterans of 
     Foreign Wars, I would like to take this opportunity to 
     express our enthusiastic support for this measure.
       For more than fifty years, Bob Hope toured with the U.S.O. 
     giving our troops a supportive reminder of home wherever they 
     were stationed. He has earned the honor of being designated 
     ``an honorary veteran'' for his humanitarian services to the 
     United States Armed Forces by Congress. He has also received 
     the VFW's prestigious Eisenhower Distinguished Service Award 
     for individual contributions to the cause of American 
     security, unity, and world peace. All those who visit the 
     chapel will once again be reminded of his tireless service to 
     our military and our veterans.
       We look forward to working with you and your staff on this 
     legislation. Thank you for your continued support on behalf 
     of all America's veterans.
           Sincerely,
                                               Dennis M. Cullinan,
     Director, National Legislative Service.
                                  ____



                                          The American Legion,

                                   San Francisco, CA, May 7, 2002.
     Hon. Christopher Cox,
     House of Representatives, Rayburn House Office Building, 
         Washington, DC.
       Dear Congressman Cox: On behalf of The American Legion, 
     Department of California it gives me great pleasure to 
     support HR 4592 to rename the Chapel at the Los Angeles 
     National Cemetery the ``Bob Hope Veterans Chapel.''
       What a wonderful tribute to a Great American who has 
     provided so much support to

[[Page H2782]]

     the veterans of this great Nation, both during periods of war 
     and during peacetime.
       You are to be commended for your vision and leadership in 
     sponsoring this legislation to express the gratitude and deep 
     regard felt for Bob Hope by the veterans of this Country.
           Sincerely,
     Ronald J. Hanson,
       State Commander, Department of California, The American 
     Legion.
                                  ____



                             The Retired Officers Association,

                                      Riverside, CA, May 10, 2002.
     Representative C. Christopher Cox,
     House of Representatives,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Congressman Cox, I have been asked by Colonel Jay 
     Vargas, USMC, (Ret) if my organization would write to you in 
     support of the renaming of the Chapel on the grounds of the 
     West Los Angeles Veterans Administration Hospital in honor of 
     Bob Hope. I believe the name he proposed to me was ``The Bob 
     Hope Memorial Chapel.''
       I have discussed this proposal with members of my Board of 
     Directors and we are unanimously in favor of memorializing 
     this edifice to honor this great Patriot and great American. 
     Bob Hope has given so much of his life to bring humor and a 
     bit of home to American G.I. wherever we have been stationed 
     in defense of Liberty around the world. We strongly support 
     this proposal and find it a fitting tribute to Bob Hope and 
     the hundreds of thousands of American service members whose 
     lives he has enhanced.
       I was in Danang in the winter of 1965 66 when Bob and his 
     USO troop came and performed at the base of I Iill 327 in the 
     pouring rain on the west side of the Danang Air Base runway. 
     Bob was great and Joey Heatherton looked pretty good all wet, 
     too.
       I speak for the 49,460 members of TROA who live in 
     California plus their spouses and families and can tell you 
     that without reservation we endorse this proposal.
       Thank you for carrying the ball on this project.
           Respectfully,
                              William F. Gavitt, Col., USAF (Ret),
     President.
                                  ____

                                              California Paralyzed


                                         Veterans Association,

                                      Long Beach, CA, May 8, 2002.
     Re: Naming Chapel.
     Hon. Christopher Cox,
     Rayburn House Office Bldg.,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Congressman Cox: California Paralyzed Veterans 
     Association supports the chapel at Greater Los Angeles VA 
     Healthcare System being named ``The Bob Hope Chapel''.
       Thank you for your consideration. California Paralyzed 
     Veterans Association 1100 members thank you in advance.
           Sincerely,
                                                 Ronald P. Amador,
     President, National Director.
                                  ____

                                          Department of California


                                     Jewish War Veterans, USA,

                                                  Los Angeles, CA.
     Congressman Chris Cox,
       Dear Congressman Cox: The Jewish War Veterans Department of 
     California wholeheartedly supports HR 4952. The naming of the 
     Chapel at the National Los Angeles Cemetery in Honor of ``Bob 
     Hope'' to be named the Bob Hope Veterans Chapel and urge the 
     Congress to unanimously pass HR 4952.
           Sincerely,
     Ralph Leventhal,
       Commander.
     Steve Rosmarin,
       PDC National Executive Committee,
     Alvin Selnick,
       PDC National Executive Committee.
                                  ____

                                  California Association of County


                              Veterans Service Officers, Inc.,

                                       Fairfield, CA, May 8, 2002.
     Hon. Christopher Cox,
     House of Representatives, Rayburn Building, Washington, DC.
       Dear Congressman Cox: I am writing on behalf of the 
     California Association of County Veterans Service Officers 
     (CACVSO). The CACVSO is an organization of professional 
     veterans advocates. In California, the County Veterans 
     Service Officer plays a critical role in the veteran's 
     advocacy system and is often the initial contact in the 
     community for veterans' services. Through the County Veterans 
     Service Officer the CACVSO is committed to provide a vital 
     and efficient system of services and advocacy to veterans, 
     their dependents, and survivors.
       I would like to express our enthusiastic support of your 
     recently introduced legislation, H.R. 4592. This legislation 
     to honor Mr. Bob Hope by naming the chapel located at the 
     National Cemetery in Los Angeles, California is a fitting way 
     to honor a life-long friend and supporter of the men and 
     women who have served and are currently serving in the Armed 
     Forces of the United States.
       Mr. Hope's service to this country by his many years of 
     providing entertainment and moral support to the troops has 
     always been held in the highest regard by the veterans who 
     had the opportunity to see or hear him in some of the most 
     far flung places on the earth. From his first benefit in 1941 
     at March Field in California, to his first foray into a 
     combat zone in 1943 during World War II when he and a small 
     USO troupe performed for battle-weary troops in England, 
     Africa, Sicily and Iceland, and for the nearly forty years 
     thereafter when he would spend Christmas entertaining 
     military men and women somewhere in the world, Bob Hope had a 
     way of bringing a little bit of home to troops in faraway 
     places.
       Congress has previously acknowledged Bob Hope's invaluable 
     service to the men and women of the US Armed Forces by 
     honoring him with the title ``Honorary Veteran of the United 
     States Armed Forces'' during a 1997 tribute and by dedicating 
     the USNS Bob Hope (T-AKR300)--lead ship in a new class of 
     Strategic Sealift vessels--in the comedian's honor. Your 
     legislation is one more way to recognize a truly great 
     American and to say ``Thanks for the Memories.''
           Sincerely,
                                               William P. Reardon,
     President, CACVSO.
                                  ____

         Military Order of the Purple Heart, Department of 
           California,
                                                      May 8, 2002.
     Congressman Christopher Cox,
     Rayburn Building,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Christopher Cox: There are approximately 68,000 combat 
     wounded veterans located in the State of California. They are 
     Purple Heart Medal recipients from bygone wars. Those that 
     are members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, want 
     to endorse your House bill H.R. 4592, Bob Hope legislation 
     dedication of a chapel in the West Los Angeles area.
       Thank you for introducing H.R. 4592 before the U.S. 
     Congress for a special person as Bob Hope.
           Yours in patriotism,
     Charles L. Linden,
       Department Commander, Department of California, Military 
     Order of the Purple Heart.
                                  ____

                                                           AMVETS,


                                     Department of California,

                                         Tulare, CA, May 14, 2002.
     Hon. Christopher Cox,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Sir: The Department of California AMVETS are 
     supportive of the House Bill naming the chapel located in the 
     National Cemetery in Los Angeles as the ``Bob Hope Veterans 
     Chapel''.
           Sincerely yours,
                                               Donald G. McDonald,
                                                  State Commander.

  Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, this legislation would name the chapel in the national 
cemetery located in Los Angeles, California as the Bob Hope Veterans 
Chapel.
  Bob Hope has entertained American servicemen and women throughout the 
world. During the nearly 60 years of goodwill tours and USO shows, Bob 
Hope entertained an estimated 10 million members in the armed forces. 
In recognition for his support for America's armed forces in 1997, he 
was designated an honorary veteran. With the passage of this 
legislation, Bob Hope will receive another well-earned recognition.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this measure and I 
commend the gentleman from California (Mr. Cox) and the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Waxman) for their bipartisan leadership on this issue.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume. And first I want to thank the gentleman from California 
(Mr. Cox) for his very eloquent remarks and for his sponsorship of this 
very important and, I think, very timely recognition of the great work 
that Bob Hope has done.
  Mr. Speaker, Bob Hope is famous for entertaining all Americans, but 
we all know his most significant contribution to the United States has 
been in improving the morale of members of our armed forces by 
entertaining our troops overseas, especially during the holidays.
  Leslie Townes, also known as Bob Hope, was born in Eltham, England on 
May 29, 1903. In 1907, he moved to Cleveland, Ohio, and became a 
naturalized U.S. citizen in 1920. During World War II, Bob Hope 
attempted to enlist in the armed forces, so he could serve his adopted 
country, but was informed that his greatest service would be as a 
civilian entertainer for the troops.

                              {time}  1900

  Whether at war or at peace, from World War II through the Persian 
Gulf War, Bob Hope committed himself for nearly 60 years to boosting 
the morale of the U.S. Armed Forces. It began in

[[Page H2783]]

1941 when Mr. Hope and a group of performers went to March Field in 
California to do a radio show for the troops in training there. During 
World War II, his weekly radio show was broadcast from Armed Forces 
installations around the United States and at U.S. bases overseas. 
During this period he developed a rapport that led the United Service 
Organization, USO, to ask him to lead 45 tours in more than 40 
countries to entertain American servicemen and women. His spirit of 
selflessness was especially notable during his annual Christmas 
specials which began in 1948 and kept him on the road during this 
Christian holiday for more than 20 years in a row. He has entertained, 
as the gentleman from California (Mr. Cox) pointed out, an estimated 10 
million American GIs.
  Mr. Speaker, here is a quote from a lonely sailor in France who had 
received a letter and some photos from a recent Bob Hope visit during 
World War II. His words portray the feelings of so many Americans 
fighting at that time:
  ``Your programs are the kind that make us think of home but they also 
make us feel that home is much closer than it really is. It is people 
like you and Mr. Colona and Miss Langford besides the one we love back 
home that makes it worth winning this war and believe me we are going 
to do it. I want to say thanks from the bottom of my heart for all the 
trouble you have gone through to make this strange sailor have a 
pleasant time for being so far away from home.''
  Mr. Speaker, Bob Hope made over 700 television appearances. As we all 
know, he is a best-selling author, he starred in 60 motion pictures, 
and the ``Guinness Book of Records'' cites him as the most honored 
entertainer in the world. Mr. Hope has received more than 50 honorary 
doctorates and is the recipient of innumerable awards, including 
prestigious honors from the major veterans service organizations. His 
humanitarian work, Mr. Speaker, was recognized, and fittingly, with the 
Congressional Gold Medal.
  Public Law 105-67, Mr. Speaker, bestowed on Mr. Hope status as an 
honorary veteran of the United States Armed Forces. As we know, he 
resides in California with his bride of 68 years, Delores.
  Mr. Hope, what an appropriate name for all that he has done to boost 
the morale of American fighting men and women. We say to him, ``Thanks 
for the memories.''
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Waxman).
  Mr. WAXMAN. I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 4592, which would 
designate the chapel in Los Angeles National Cemetery located in the 
congressional district I represent as the Bob Hope Veterans Chapel. I 
want to thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Cox) for his 
assistance with this legislation and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs 
for allowing it to reach the floor in time for the chapel naming to 
coincide with Bob Hope's 99th birthday on May 29.
  Bob Hope has been named the most honored entertainer of all time with 
more than 1,500 awards and citations. His career in vaudeville, 
Broadway, radio, motion pictures, and television has made him an icon 
of American entertainment. But he will forever be loved for traveling 
the globe to entertain American GIs.
  Starting with his World War II radio broadcast for the Armed Forces, 
Bob Hope dedicated more than 50 years to the USO, delivering holiday 
cheer and raising the morale of servicemen and women serving throughout 
the world. He made his first trip to a combat area in 1943 when he and 
a small USO troupe visited U.S. military facilities in England, Africa, 
Sicily and Iceland. His commitment to those in uniform is legendary; 
and he set an example that inspired his peers, his fans and the 
entertainers who have followed in his path.
  As many of my colleagues know, Bob Hope and his wife, Delores, 
recently donated the Bob Hope Collection to the Library of Congress to 
preserve his invaluable joke files, sound recordings, films, photos and 
other memorabilia. Now exhibited through the Bob Hope Gallery of 
American Entertainment, the collection is truly a national treasure. 
Naming this veterans chapel in his honor is a special way for Congress 
to express the deep gratitude that all Americans have for Bob Hope. He 
is the man we awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 1962 and 
designated in 1997 as the only person in history to become an honorary 
veteran.
  I appreciate the opportunity to pay tribute once again when we 
ascribe his name to this historic chapel, which is being restored with 
the help of the Veterans Park conservancy. It will also be a tribute to 
the 85,000 brave soldiers who are buried at the L.A. National Cemetery.
  It is a great privilege for me to represent Bob and Delores Hope in 
Congress. I know other Members of Congress claim them as well; but they 
live, as Delores Hope told me, and vote in my congressional district 
and to me that has always been a great honor for me to have them as 
constituents. I want to take this opportunity to congratulate them on 
this special honor and to extend my best wishes to them and their 
family.
  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may 
consume to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman), the chairman 
emeritus of the Committee on International Relations.
  (Mr. GILMAN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this 
time.
  Mr. Speaker, permit me to thank our good friend, the gentleman from 
New Jersey, the distinguished chairman of our Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs; the gentleman from California (Mr. Cox); the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Waxman); and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans) 
for affording us this opportunity to pay tribute to a dedicated 
patriot, a man who has devoted his life to providing laughter to our 
Nation, and, most notably, to our troops overseas, Bob Hope.
  Bob Hope's lifelong commitment to public service has made him one of 
the most honored and esteemed performers in our Nation's history. He 
spent nearly 60 years boosting the morale of our servicemen and women 
through goodwill tours, USO shows, and his world famous Christmas 
specials. Bob Hope's status among our Armed Forces as GI Bob is 
legendary. Through an act of Congress in 1997, he has the distinction 
of being the Nation's first and only honorary veteran, a fitting 
tribute to his life and service.
  His charitable work and his tours on behalf of our Armed Forces have 
brought him the admiration and the gratitude of millions and the 
friendship of every U.S. President since President Roosevelt.
  In a recent act of generosity, Bob donated his personal papers, radio 
and television programs, his scripts and his treasured joke file to the 
Library of Congress and the people of the United States. Preserved at 
the library is the full record of Bob Hope's extraordinary creativity, 
his unselfish contributions to his Nation, and the testimonials and 
thanks he has received from those whose lives he has enriched.
  Bob Hope is a role model, a patriot, a man who used his gift to lift 
the spirits of our Nation and of our Nation's troops. This measure, 
H.R. 4592, names the chapel located at the national cemetery in Los 
Angeles as the Bob Hope Veterans Chapel. While this is only a small 
symbol of our thanks, I know that our Nation will forever extend its 
gratitude to Bob Hope, an entertainer, a patriot and a friend and to 
his devoted wife, Delores.
  Accordingly, I urge all of our colleagues to support this measure. I 
thank the gentlemen from New Jersey and from California for this 
opportunity to pay tribute to GI Bob.
  Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Kucinich).
  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, as a Representative of Cleveland, Ohio, I 
am proud to join with my colleagues from across the country in this 
well-deserved tribute to Bob Hope for his service to the veterans of 
our country, to the servicepersons who for generations put themselves 
on the line to protect America and Bob Hope was there time after time 
whenever his country called him. And so now his country is prepared to 
honor him in a very special way by showing its appreciation for the 
years of work, the years of his own life

[[Page H2784]]

he put into celebrating the work of our servicemen and women.
  As a Representative from Cleveland, Ohio, I take great pride in the 
fact that the first city that Bob Hope moved to, his family moved to, 
when he came to the United States was the city of Cleveland. The city 
of Cleveland claims him as one of their favorite sons and has named a 
major bridge after him and celebrated his whole career during our 
bicentennial. We recognize that his contribution, though, belongs to 
the Nation as well as to our community. It is that way, I think, with 
Bob Hope's life in that so many parts of our Nation are grateful to the 
service that he has given to, to the joy he has brought into people's 
lives, through his unselfish approach, through his dedication to our 
country, and to the men and women who have served.
  Mr. Speaker, when I was mayor of Cleveland, I had the privilege of 
meeting Bob Hope on many occasions, having had the opportunity to share 
very special moments with him and to see that this person whom we honor 
here this evening was warm, and is warm, and funny and is someone who 
had a view of life, and has a view of life, which really appreciates 
the beauty of life and the humor in life.
  To Bob and Delores Hope, this is an important moment for both of you, 
because you have shared your marriage with this country and with the 
servicemen and women who have served America. In this moment when 
through the work of our colleagues your name is going to be on this 
special veterans memorial chapel, through this moment we show that we 
have not forgotten what you have done for our country and that you will 
always be remembered and that we join, each Member of this Congress, in 
celebrating your life as you look towards your 99th year.
  In the Polish community in Cleveland, there is a phrase called stolot 
which, translated, is ``May you live a hundred years and more.'' Bob, 
keep going strong. We love you. Thanks to you and Delores. Cleveland is 
glad to join in this special honor.
  Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for 
time, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Simpson). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith) that the House 
suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 4592.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the bill was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________