 WASHINGTON , June 1, 2009 - Aboard the USS Midway Friday the U.S. Postal Service released the 44-cent Bob Hope commemorative stamp on what would have been the world-renowned entertainer and philanthropist's 106th birthday.
Although Hope never officially served in the military, he dedicated a significant part of his life to entertaining the country's men and women in uniform starting in 1941 and continuing through Operation Desert Storm 50 years later.
After giving hundreds of performances overseas he earned the nickname "G.I. Bob" and in 1997 he became the first person ever recognized by Congress as an "honorary veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces."
Hope's hundreds of honors include the Congressional Gold Medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Hope, an avid golfer during his 100-year life, scored seven holes-in-one. He was also noted for playing golf in charitable events with several presidents, including Gerald Ford, Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush and Dwight D. Eisenhower. His widow, Delores, celebrated her 100th birthday May 27.
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