The Bob Hope Patriotism Award was created by an executive order from President George W. Bush and would be granted at a president's discretion.
In his order, Bush said the award aimed to encourage love of country, service to the people of the United States and support for the U.S. military services.
It was also in recognition of the "unique and lifelong service of Bob Hope to the United States Armed Forces and to the Nation during his unwavering patriotism and dedication to maintaining the morale of the troops."
Hope, born in England but raised in Cleveland, made it a personal crusade to entertain U.S. forces at home and overseas in war zones in virtually every conflict the United States was engaged in, beginning with World War II.
Declining health caused him to abandon the practice following the 1990-1991 Gulf War.
The White House said both individuals and organizations were eligible.
Copyright 2003 by United Press International.
All rights reserved.
© 2026 Newsmax. All rights reserved.