While this is a holiday in which we remember the sacrifices made throughout the history of our nation, it can also be a time to think about the those times when people serving this coutnry culd smile andhave a few moments of relaxation in an otherwise volatile existence. The United Service Organization was started in 1941 - just as America was entering World War II, so that entertainers could join together and provide comfort and support to the efforts of the Armed Forces. From near the beginning, Bob Hope was an instrumental part of putting together programs.

Sometimes, forces on the front lines were unable to host shows, since the situation was so unsafe that it was difficult to get entertainers to locations or time to construct a stage. The largest part of the World War II effort involved hundreds of clubs scattered across the country, with stars donating their time and talents to perform and work with service personnel. Radio shows were taped and broadcasted exclusively to the troops overseas, as shown in this performance by a very young Judy Garland:




During the Korean War and the Cold War, Hope would tour the world entertaining U.S. troops stationed at bases near trouble spots. When the Vietnam War erupted, Hope mounted several tours to the country - the Christmas shows were often taped and later televised on network television back home. At this one, Hope does a timely monologue from 1968 - right after Nixon was elected President:




Hope continued to mount tours in the decades after World War II, persuading major talent to entertain the military, even during relatively peaceful times. In 1980, Hope introduces Diana Ross to an Air Force audience during a Memorial Day concert and sings a duet in tribute to the force with the diva:



Entertainment, just like the culture, changes over the decades. Though Hope has passed on, his legacy of service to the nation remains - celebrities like Robin Williams continue to tour to bring a smile to the faces of those who can venture in harm's way:




". . .If it helps for one moment, with the stuff that they see every day, that's a good thing." -- Robin Williams

In memory of the smiles through adversity.