1903 Leslie Townes Hope
1917 John Fitzgerald Kennedy
both appropriate to remember on Memorial Day weekend.
The first was born an Englishman, but became the quintessential American entertainer, Bob Hope. For many who served overseas, the shows he brought were a connection with home, in the midst of conflicts like Vietnam, or merely just being far away from family and friends.
The second served with honor in the Navy, became a Congressman, a Senator and President of our nation, still the youngest ever elected to that position.
He may have been a flawed man, but one cannot doubt his courage and his willingness to take on hard things - he committed to Civil Rights in the face of Southern Democratic intransigence, he was willing to confront the USSR over Cuba while quietly finding a way that avoided a nuclear holocaust that during those October days were on the minds of many.
Hope, like Johnny Carson, was never vicious in his humor.
Kennedy had the ability to inspire others.
So as this day of their birth approaches its close, perhaps what is appropriate is to remember the words so associated with Hope:
Thanks for the Memories
Peace.