At Tuna Harbor, the two RV Gypsies came to an elevated plaza with the sign: "A National Salute to Bob Hope and the Military" and what looked from a distance like a small crowd assembled around a man at an old time-microphone. The figure with the microphone is a bronze likeness of Bob Hope, the legendary movie/TV comedian and entertainer in his prime. Before his death in 2003 at age 100, Hope had performed in hundreds of USO events since 1941, entertaining US military audiences in far-flung theaters of conflict, from World War II to the Gulf War. Like some morale-igniting secret weapon, Bob Hope was deployed for maximum laugh efficacy, and much loved by men and women in uniform. In 1997, President Clinton bestowed on Hope the rank of "Honorary Veteran."
On the plaza, there are 15 life-sized bronze statues, arranged as if attending a Bob Hope show. Each figure represents a serviceman from a different conflict. The scene is completely open, which allowed the two RV Gypsies to wander between the figures and pose with them.
Women in the service are represented, as are wounded vets, with a racial diversity that underscores Hope's broad appeal. One figure holds up a sign with stenciled, punch-through lettering: "Thanks for the Memories BOB." The "National Salute to Bob Hope and the Military" cost $1.5 million, and was a combined effort of the port of San Diego, the Hope family, and Navy vets of World War II's Battle of Leyte Gulf. The plaza and sculpture were officially dedicated in July 8, 2009, with two of Bob Hope's children on hand.
Above quote is from Roadside America. |
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