Don't miss An Author's Afternoon when Martha Bolton joins me to discuss Dear Bob ...Bob Hope's Wartime Correspondence with the G.I.s of World War II.

2020 was the 75th anniversary of the end of WWII, The War to End All Wars. Although, current events and the pandemic kept many from celebrating the anniversary, the unique relationship between Bob Hope and “The Greatest Generation,” by way of the USO, is too important to go unrecognized. Never before has it been as important to remember and pay homage to our veterans and today's members of the armed services.

“Dear Bob.... Bob Hope's Wartime Correspondence with the G.I.'s of World War II," by Martha Bolton with Bob Hope's daughter, Linda Hope, is a time capsule that reveals exactly how important Hope's remarkable service was to the fighting men and women of World War II. The authors have collected personal letters, postcards, packages, and more sent back and forth among Hope and the troops and their loved ones back home.

"Dear Bob" provides an intimate perspective on the WWII years for Bob and the service men and women as they fought, were entertained and attempted to sustain themselves. "Dear Bob" is engaging-sometimes emotional, sometimes humorous, and always memorable.

The letters found in “Dear Bob…” are as relevant today as they were when Hope began entertaining our troops 80 years ago as well as 75 years ago as WWII came to an end. In addition to fans of the golden age of television; the children and grandchildren of the greatest generation; historians and teachers of history, especially WWII history; active military, veterans, and their families; the entertainment industry and fans of the entertainment industry; the audience reach for this book is almost inexhaustible. This unforgettable collection of letters and images, many of which remained in Hope's personal files throughout his life and now reside at the Library of Congress, capture a personal side of both writer and recipient in a very special and often-emotional way. This volume heralds the voices of those servicemen and women whom Hope entertained and who, it is clear, delighted and inspired him.

MARTHA BOLTON was the first woman staff writer for Bob Hope, helping to write his television specials, personal appearances, and military shows for approximately fifteen years. She is an Emmy-nominated writer and author of eighty-eight books of humor and inspiration. She has received nominations for a Dove Award, WGA Award, and a Gold- en Scroll Merit Award for Fiction. LINDA HOPE, is the eldest daughter of Bob and Dolores Hope. She is the Producer of the Emmy Award winning TV Special: Bob Hope: The First 90 Years. She also wrote My Life in Jokes, a collection of jokes honoring her father's 100th birthday. Linda produced his TV shows for over 20 years, ran Hope Enterprises and has spent the last two decades perpetuating her father's legacy.

Original Airdate: 11/24/2021