Thanks for the Memory, Bob!

Independence Day is always a hot time in the throes of summer, especially here in Arkansas. But I remember an especially “hot” celebration at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock on July 6, 1991, as a huge shower of glowing orange embers brought a spectacular ending to a patriotic celebration.

Bob Hope and Marie Osmond’s patriotic “Hope Across America” tour drew a crowd of 49,000 on that hot evening.

Hope, then 87, led this massive, multi-city tour, featuring military themes and guests as part of the tail-end of Hope’s nearly 50-year history with the USO. The 1991 tour, in the wake of the Gulf War (Operation Desert Storm), was a celebration of returning service members.

Whether the patriotic pyrotechnics malfunctioned, were faulty to begin with, or were sent downward prematurely by strong winds was never known. During the spectacular fireworks finale, embers floated above and across the stadium, landing on the heads and shoulders of audience members as they scrambled to safety.

Recalling this exciting evening, I reflect that we still must do our part to spread “Hope Across America” during these turbulent times in our country and the world. Much gratitude to legendary entertainer and comedian Bob Hope for his years of faithful support of America’s active military, veterans and their families.

Thanks for the memory, Bob!

Shelly Moran lives in Fayetteville, Arkansas.