NEW YORK—Family and friends of the late comedian and American icon Bob Hope attended a ceremony inaugurating the Memorial Library at the Bob Hope Ellis Island Immigration Museum on Tuesday, October 12.
The afternoon was filled with witty remarks and humorous anecdotes from the ones who knew him best. Movie clips remembering some of Hope’s most glorious and humorous moments, as well as his voyage to the United States took attendees on a nostalgic journey.
Many in the audience shed tears as five-time Grammy nominated Michael Feinstein concluded the celebrations by singing “Thanks For The Memory.”
The library, located on the third floor of the immigration museum houses archival collections including film, video, and historical photographs of the history of U.S. immigration through Ellis Island is open to the public for viewing.
David Luchsinge, the superintendent of the Statue of Liberty National Monument said the library is not only a great place to catch a glimpse of a great man, but he also urged the public take advantage of the many resources available.
Born Leslie Townes Hope, Bob Hope immigrated to the U.S. from England in 1908 with his family. Like millions of Americans, Hope arrived in America in third class steerage, entering through Ellis Island, never imagining he would go on to become one of the greatest entertainment figures of his time.
“I left England at the age of 4 when I found out I couldn’t be king,” said Hope jokingly in a short film clip screened at the ceremony.
“It’s an old cliché that Bob Hope represented,” said Normal Liss, vice president for the Ellis Island Restoration Commission. Liss called Hope the “personification of the American dream.”
A quote from Hope’s book “Bob Hope’s own story: Have Tux, Will Travel” displayed in the library illustrates some of Hope’s infamous humorous remarks.
“Dad had come over to the United States to start from scratch. It was a scratchy start, all right. In March, 1908, when the small Hopes came up out of steerage at Ellis Island, each of us wore two suits of sandpapery underwear under two suits of clothing to save luggage space.”
Hope’s granddaughter Miranda dedicated a song to her late grandfather who passed away in 2003 at the age of 100 titled, “Immigrant Eyes.” “Here’s to you pops,” she said.
Fatima Shama, commissioner of Immigrant Affairs for New York read Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s proclamation for the library and dedicated Tuesday, Oct. 10 Bob Hope Memorial Dedication Day, naming him one of America’s greatest philanthropist, and calling his service to his adopted country “unparalleled.”
John Cosgrove, the communications consultant for the Ellis Island Restoration Commission has known Hope and his family for 40 years. He extended his tremendous thanks to Hope’s daughter Linda who took part in organizing the ceremony and commented that the event was a very beautifully done.
Hope’s shows and films are remembered by an entire generation. Throughout his career, Hope remained loyal to NBC both in radio and television, for 60 years.
He is often remembered for his Christmas specials on military bases entertaining troops around the world, and bringing laughter to troops over the span of five wars from World War II to Desert Storm.
Hope likewise enjoyed great success in his films, starring in over 50 feature films alongside some of Hollywood’s greatest like Lucile Ball and Katharine Hepburn.
He went on to receive countless honors throughout his career including receiving the Congressional Gold Medal from President Kennedy, being knighted by Queen Elizabeth II, and was made an Honorary Veteran.
The afternoon was filled with witty remarks and humorous anecdotes from the ones who knew him best. Movie clips remembering some of Hope’s most glorious and humorous moments, as well as his voyage to the United States took attendees on a nostalgic journey.
Many in the audience shed tears as five-time Grammy nominated Michael Feinstein concluded the celebrations by singing “Thanks For The Memory.”
The library, located on the third floor of the immigration museum houses archival collections including film, video, and historical photographs of the history of U.S. immigration through Ellis Island is open to the public for viewing.
David Luchsinge, the superintendent of the Statue of Liberty National Monument said the library is not only a great place to catch a glimpse of a great man, but he also urged the public take advantage of the many resources available.
Born Leslie Townes Hope, Bob Hope immigrated to the U.S. from England in 1908 with his family. Like millions of Americans, Hope arrived in America in third class steerage, entering through Ellis Island, never imagining he would go on to become one of the greatest entertainment figures of his time.
“I left England at the age of 4 when I found out I couldn’t be king,” said Hope jokingly in a short film clip screened at the ceremony.
“It’s an old cliché that Bob Hope represented,” said Normal Liss, vice president for the Ellis Island Restoration Commission. Liss called Hope the “personification of the American dream.”
A quote from Hope’s book “Bob Hope’s own story: Have Tux, Will Travel” displayed in the library illustrates some of Hope’s infamous humorous remarks.
“Dad had come over to the United States to start from scratch. It was a scratchy start, all right. In March, 1908, when the small Hopes came up out of steerage at Ellis Island, each of us wore two suits of sandpapery underwear under two suits of clothing to save luggage space.”
Hope’s granddaughter Miranda dedicated a song to her late grandfather who passed away in 2003 at the age of 100 titled, “Immigrant Eyes.” “Here’s to you pops,” she said.
Fatima Shama, commissioner of Immigrant Affairs for New York read Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s proclamation for the library and dedicated Tuesday, Oct. 10 Bob Hope Memorial Dedication Day, naming him one of America’s greatest philanthropist, and calling his service to his adopted country “unparalleled.”
John Cosgrove, the communications consultant for the Ellis Island Restoration Commission has known Hope and his family for 40 years. He extended his tremendous thanks to Hope’s daughter Linda who took part in organizing the ceremony and commented that the event was a very beautifully done.
Hope’s shows and films are remembered by an entire generation. Throughout his career, Hope remained loyal to NBC both in radio and television, for 60 years.
He is often remembered for his Christmas specials on military bases entertaining troops around the world, and bringing laughter to troops over the span of five wars from World War II to Desert Storm.
Hope likewise enjoyed great success in his films, starring in over 50 feature films alongside some of Hollywood’s greatest like Lucile Ball and Katharine Hepburn.
He went on to receive countless honors throughout his career including receiving the Congressional Gold Medal from President Kennedy, being knighted by Queen Elizabeth II, and was made an Honorary Veteran.
