[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 78 (Friday, May 23, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7145-S7146]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mrs. FEINSTEIN:
  S. 1150. A bill to establish the Bob Hope American Patriot Award; to 
the Committee on the Judiciary.
  Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Bob Hope 
American Patriot Award Act of 2003. This legislation would create a 
presidential commemorative award for an individual or organization that 
demonstrates ``extraordinary love of this Nation and devotion to its 
citizens in the form of true patriotism.''
  In addition, this legislation would honor one of the most respected 
figures in America, who for seven decades has served our Nation with 
his talents in entertainment. As many are familiar, I am speaking today 
of Bob Hope.
  To celebrate Bob Hope's 100th birthday on May 29, 2003, this 
legislation would give the President the opportunity to annually 
recognize the wonderful trait of ``patriotism,'' so well exemplified by 
Hope throughout his lifetime. Mr. Hope has long demonstrated that 
entertainment can positively influence ``love of country and dedication 
to the spiritual well-being of America's troops.''
  A master of the skills of acting and singing, Bob Hope may be the 
most talented and prolific entertainer of our time. Many of us will 
recall his work in the series of ``Road'' films with Bing Crosby and 
Dorothy Lamour. His expansive career has involved stage musical comedy, 
motion pictures, and live appearances at the USO shows.
  On May 6, 1941, Bob Hope began a 50-year service with the United 
States Armed Forces, in which he did approximately 60 USO tours. He has 
toured

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U.S. military stations all over the world, including Germany, the South 
Pacific, and Vietnam. Veterans and U.S. soldiers alike will always 
remember his variety shows, which included skits, dancers, specialty 
acts, and comedic monologues. These monologues were particularly 
touching as they commiserated with the daily travails of a soldier's 
life.
  Over the years, Bob Hope has received well-deserved recognition for 
his dedication to our Nation. He has been honored with numerous awards, 
including the Congressional Gold Medal, the Presidential Medal of 
Freedom, and the Distinguished Service Medal from each of the branches 
of the military. Several years ago, I co-sponsored legislation naming 
him an Honorary Veteran for his humanitarian services to the U.S. Armed 
Forces.
  Bob Hope epitomizes true patriotism and service to our country, and I 
cannot think of anybody better to name this new award after.
  This legislation is important because it would not only carry on the 
name of such an honorable figure, but would recognize future 
individuals or organizations who have dedicated themselves to promoting 
the values of freedom, democracy, and goodwill. This award would be the 
first of its kind--honoring American civilians specifically for 
patriotism.
  This legislation would give the President the authority to annually 
select either one individual or one organization to receive this 
commemorative award at a White House ceremony. The President would also 
be given the power to interpret the selection criteria and determine 
the form that the award would take, such as a plaque, medal or flag.
  I believe this legislation is timely and befitting of both Mr. Hope 
and the great citizens of our Nation. In these challenging times, it is 
important to encourage and recognize Americans who have given so much 
to the cause of patriotism, asking for nothing in return.
  My hope is that this award, established through this legislation, 
will both carry on the wonderful legacy of Bob Hope and bring awareness 
to the magnanimous spirit of our fellow citizens. I call on this body 
to enact this legislation promptly.
                                 ______