A soldier remembers Bob Hope and impact he had on those serving in Vietnam

A soldier remembersBob Hope and impact he had on those serving in Vietnam
EDITOR:
The death of Bob Hope saddens me greatly, and I want to express my profound appreciation for his efforts to bring joy and laughter to the lives of U. S. fighting men and women around the world since World War II.
Even though he was born in Great Britain, Mr. Hope was perhaps one of the most patriotic Americans this country has ever known. I had the honor of being his bodyguard and the security officer for his 1966 Vietnam Christmas show. This was one of the most memorable events of my life. At a time when the American public's frustrations against the Vietnam War was misdirected towards their own brave soldiers who were doing the very best they could under the circumstances, Mr. Hope was always there for the troops.
I fondly remember an incident that occurred in December 1966 at Da Nang, Vietnam, which would typify Mr. Hope's dedication to the enlisted personnel. The U.S. Navy had built the stage for his show and roped off the area for the audience. The Marines were to sit on the ground (in some places in the mud), while directly in front of the stage there were comfortable chairs that were reserved for the Navy "brass." Before the show had begun, Mr. Hope looked out over the audience from behind the curtain and became noticeably upset. He saw the empty reserved chairs, and he knew what the Navy was up to. He sent his stage manager out to have the Marine enlisted personnel come down front and sit in the chairs.
It is hard to imagine what it would have been like without the dedication of Mr. Hope and his troupe of volunteers. 1 shall never forget Christmas Day 1966 at Cu Chi, Vietnam, the home of the 25th Infantry Division. The performers were singing "Silent Night," led by Mr. and Mrs. Hope. The tears of joy were flowing from the eyes of every soldier there, especially the wounded soldiers, who were lying on their stretchers watching the show and trying to sing along. A nurse attending one of the badly wounded soldiers confided to me that one of the young soldiers was dying, and his last request was that he see the "Bob Hope Show." His wish was granted, and he died later that day a happier soldier.
God bless you, Mr. Hope! Thank you for the memories.
ROBERT R. ZINS
Newport News, Va.
X The writer, who retired as a major after 23 years in the Army, is a former Youngstowner, who served four years on the Youngstown Police Department in the early 1960s.
Community in Salem pulled together to put on parade
EDITOR:
Two years ago when the decision was made to end the Salem Jubilee as a four-day event, the members of the President's Club of the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce (The Red Coats) met to discuss the possibility of continuing the Grand Parade which would be the catalyst for a one day celebration in honor of the founding of the city of Salem.
There were a number of concerns. The first being the cost involved, approximately $6,000, and the second, finding the individuals who would actually form a parade committee.
Through the efforts of Bob and Karen Sebo, the Salem Community Foundation, Salem Rotary Foundation, Giant Eagle and the Salem Twin Cinema, funds were raised to meet the budget.
George and Marge Zeigler, along with their parade committee members, members of the Salem Rotary Club and the staff of the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce put on a grand pParade.
City employees, individuals and organizations hosted the July 19 community celebration.
The gathering of friends and relatives on porches, sidewalks and chairs along the parade route is exactly what is best about America.
GEOFFREY S. GOLL
Salem
X The writer is chairman of the President's Club of the Salem Chamber of Commerce