Bob Hope's Legacy Continues
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
The Postal Service paid tribute to Bob Hope May 29 by issuing a First-Class commemorative stamp in his honor.
The dedication took place in San Diego, CA, on the flight deck of the USS Midway, where "G.I. Bob" twice entertained service men and women during his nearly 60 year commitment to boosting military morale.
Hope's thousands of honors included the Congressional Gold Medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Hope
was also the first person recognized by the U.S. Congress as an honorary veteran of the United States Armed Forces.
was also the first person recognized by the U.S. Congress as an honorary veteran of the United States Armed Forces. Hope's daughter, Linda, and his son Kelly joined in dedicating the stamp on what would have been Hope's 106th birthday.
Continuing the Legacy
The stamp release was a catalyst for special Post Office events geared t ow ard postal employees and customers donating i tems for military care packages.
The result? Thousands of care packages are being mailed to military men and women serving overseas.
Livingston Post Office in Columbus, OH, held a Bob Hope Day and invited local American Legion Commander Gene Richter and active military personnel to the event.
"I presented a first day of issue Bob Hope stamp set and
envelope to Commander Richter," said Livingston Manager Patrick LaRosa. "We wanted to thank him for being part of our event.
Marine Corp 1st Sgt. Stephen Sullivan cuts one of the cakes served during a Bob Hope event in Columbus, OH, held at Ohio National Guard headquarters. Bob Hope's nephew, Bob Hope (right) was among the honored guests.
In Lima, OH, the goal was to send care packages to military men and women serving overseas and to educate customers on the savings the Postal Service offers when using the APO/FPO Priority Mail Flat Rate Box.
The Lima Post Office partnered with a local department store, and held a stamp ceremony and military dedication to honor active, reserve and veteran troops.
"During the event, several soldiers spoke about how much it means to receive a letter or care package from home and what a great morale boost it is," said Lima Officer-in-Charge Jack Billing.
"We collected more than 100 packages destined for men and women serving abroad," acting Lima Retail Specialist Janette Gugi Degen said.
Northeast, PA, Postmaster Brenda Ruggiero joined a local military drive to collect items to fill care packages. The month long drive included a bulletin board with information about local residents currently serving in the Middle East.
Zullinger, PA, Post Office also hosted a Support the Troops event the day the stamp was issued. "It just seemed like the right thing to do," said Officer-in-Charge Candace Murphy.
"The celebration included refreshments and free military care kits which include everything needed to ship to military personnel overseas," Murphy said. "The kits contain six flat-rate boxes, packing tape, labels and customs forms.
"It was a good opportunity to honor Bob Hope and to give thanks for what the soldiers do," she said.
"We're honoring Bob Hope for all he did for the military," Zanesville, OH, Postmaster Steve Williams added.
In Bradley, WV, postal customers were encouraged to bring in items to be delivered to troops overseas and in Cambridge Springs, PA, elementary students answered a request from the local National Guard for stuffed animals to give to the children in Iraq.
"The response was overwhelming," said Cambridge Springs Officer-in-Charge Sandy Jones. "More than 100 boxes were filled and sent to Iraq."
Want to send a package?
Check this website for the names of men and women to sent letters and packages to. This site also lists organizations involved in helping troops.
Large Priority Mail APO/FPO Flat Rate Boxes feature the "America Supports You" logo, APO/FPO addressing block and, no matter how much it weighs, ships for $11.95 — $2 less than if the box was sent to another domestic address. If using Click-in-Ship to print the label on usps.com, the price is $11.50.
Priority Mail boxes are free at your local Post Office and online at usps.com. The Postal Service also offers free Carrier Pickup from your home or office.
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