Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 111 Part 2.djvu/372

 Ill STAT. 1452 PUBLIC LAW 105-67—OCT. 30, 1997 Public Law 105-67 105th Congress Joint Resolution Oct. 30, 1997 To confer status as an honorary veteran of the United States Armed Forces on [H.J. Res. 75] Leslie Townes (Bob) Hope. Whereas the United States has never before conferred status as an honorary veteran of the United States Armed Forces on an individual, and such status is and should remain an extraordinary honor not lightly conferred nor frequently granted; Whereas the lifetime of accomplishments and service of Leslie Townes (Bob) Hope on behalf of United States military servicemembers fully justifies the conferring of such status; Whereas Leslie Townes (Bob) Hope is himself not a veteran, having attempted to enlist in the Armed Forces to serve his country during World War II, but being informed that the greatest service he could provide the Nation was as a civilian entertainer for the troops; Whereas during. World War II, the Korean Conflict, the Vietnam War, and the Persian Gulf War and throughout the Cold War, Bob Hope traveled to visit and entertain millions of United States servicemembers in numerous countries, on ships at sea, and in combat zones ashore; Whereas Bob Hope has been awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Distinguished Service Medal of each of the branches of the Armed Forces, and more than 100 citations and awards from national veterans service organizations and civic and humanitarian organizations; and Whereas Bob Hope has given unselfishly of his time for over a half century to be with United States servicemembers on foreign shores, working tirelessly to bring a spirit of humor and cheer to millions of servicemembers during their loneliest moments, and thereby extending for the American people a touch of home away from home: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That Congress— (1) extends its gratitude, on behalf of the American people, to Leslie Townes (Bob) Hope for his lifetime of accomplishments and service on behalf of United States military servicemembers; and (2) confers upon Leslie Townes (Bob) Hope the status of an honorary veteran of the United States Armed Forces. Approved October 30, 1997. LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—H.J. Res. 75: HOUSE REPORTS: No. 105-109 (Comm. on Veterans' Affairs). CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 143 (1997): June 3, considered and passed House. Sept. 9, considered and passed Senate. WEEKLY COMPILATION OF PRESIDENTIAL DOCUMENTS, Vol. 33 (1997): Oct. 30, Presidential statement.

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