Celebrating a "Yankee Doodle Dandy" 4th of July!

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On this 4th of July, I'm recognizing Independence Day

by highlighting the patriotic movie, Yankee Doodle Dandy.

Loosely based on the life of entertainer & composer George M. Cohan, 

it starred James Cagney in the leading role, for which he won an Academy Award.

It was released on Memorial Day,1942, 6 months after 

the bombing of Pearl Harbor, when the US entered World War II.

Instead of selling tickets to the Broadway opener,

they sold War Bonds, raising 5 million dollars.

James Cagney's sister Jeanne played Cohan's sister Josie.

This was the first movie in which a living US President (FDR) was portrayed.

George M. Cohan died of cancer the year the film was released, November 1942.

In 1985, this movie was one of the first to be colorized.

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Among the Cohan songs in the musical score are Harrigan, You're a Grand Old Flag, 

Over There, Give My Regards to Broadway, and of course, Yankee Doodle Boy.

Here's the video of Jimmy Cagney, as George M. Cohan, performing

Yankee Doodle Boy. You'll see Mickey Rooney & Judy Garland as well. 

The Bob Hope Tribute in San Diego

Bob Hope. (1903-2003)
Comedian and star of film and television,
but probably most warmly remembered for the many times
he traveled overseas with the USO to entertain our American troops,
often during the Christmas holiday when servicemen were far from their loved ones.
Bob brought smiles, laughter, encouragement and appreciation
to thousands of men and women in the armed forces.

The city of San Diego, California is "thanking Bob for the memories"
with a spectacular and moving memorial called
A National Salute to Bob Hope and the Military.

Amid a group of beautiful coral trees along the shore of San Diego Bay,
is a life-size bronze statue of Bob at the microphone.
He's facing a group of 15 bronze likenesses,
designed to collectively symbolize those soldiers
who fought during the times of Bob's USO tours and who
represent the branches of the military as follows:

World War II: Paratrooper, Fighter Pilot, Marine Corps Sergeant, 

Navy Pilot Lieutenant, Army Nurse, Navy Machinist Mate

Korean War: Infantryman, Sailor, Marine

Vietnam War: Artilleryman, Air Force Mechanic, 

Coast Guard Squadron One, Navy Medic

Gulf War: Soldier in Desert Storm, Air Force Staff Sergeant

The sculptures were done by Eugene Daub and Steven Whyte. 
Speakers provide recordings of Bob telling his classic jokes and one-liners.

Notice the aircraft carrier in the background; it's the USS Midway Museum.

We dropped in next door for delicious fresh-caught seafood dinner
at The Fish Market, complete with an amazing view of the bay.

A 25 feet tall bronze statue, Unconditional Surrender, 
is also adjacent to the restaurant.

Its sculptor, Seward Johnson, based his work on
a V-J Day photo by Victor Jorgensen, shown below.

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Leaving the restaurant just at sunset, we couldn't resist 

heading back over to the memorial for another look and more photos.

Bob Hope received many awards recognizing his humanitarian efforts.

In 1997, on behalf of all United States soldiers, Bob was made an honorary veteran.

Additional posts from my San Diego vacation:
An Afternoon at Hotel del Coronado
A Day at Pacific Beach & Crystal Pier
Strolling Through Little Italy
Shopping & Dining at The Headquarters


Links to websites of interest:
National Salute to Bob Hope and the Military by Eugene Daub & Steven Whyte
The Fish Market -Seafood Market & Restaurant
USS Midway Museum
BobHope.com
USO.org

A Veterans Day Thank You

va.gov

It is with extreme gratitude that we honor

our United States Veterans

today...and every day.

May God bless the men and women in the armed forces,

past, present and future.

"I thank my God every time I remember you."

Philippians 1:3

You can find the website for the 

United States Department of Veterans Affairs here.

Never Forget - 9/11/01

A quote from President George W. Bush on September 11, 2001 -

"Tonight, I ask for your prayers for all those who grieve,

for the children whose worlds have been shattered,

for all whose sense of safety and security has been threateded.

And I pray they will be comforted by a power greater than any of us,

spoken through the ages in Psalm 23:

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I fear no evil, for You are with me."