"On This Day in 1972, Bob Hope Gave His Final Performance in Vietnam - a Christmas Gift to U.S. Troops!"
Published: 24-12-2022 05:59
On December 24, 1972, legendary comedian Bob Hope performed his final Christmas show for U.S. troops during the Vietnam War. It was his ninth consecutive Christmas special in Vietnam since 1966, when he first began visiting troops stationed overseas during the conflict.
Hope was one of America's most beloved entertainers whose career spanned more than 55 years and included numerous radio, TV and film appearances. He became famous for his comedic monologues and "road" movies with co-stars Bing Crosby and Dorothy Lamour. But perhaps one of Hope's most lasting legacies is his dedication to entertaining U.S. troops stationed abroad—from World War II all the way until the end of the Vietnam War in 1975.
For his 1972 Christmas show in Vietnam, Hope brought with him an impressive entourage of Hollywood stars including Ann-Margaret, Bill Cosby, Phyllis Diller, Raquel Welch and Leslie Uggams. The show was broadcast live from a helicopter landing pad at Long Binh where an estimated 10,000 servicemen watched from folding chairs that were set up on a nearby field.
During this momentous occasion, Hope gave a stirring speech about patriotism and national pride that had an incredibly powerful impact on those present: “We’re here to say we love you… we’ve never forgotten you… no matter how long it takes to get home again," he said as cheers erupted from the audience.
Hope's performance at Long Binh marked the end of an era—his last major appearance during wartime—and it stands as a testament to his unwavering commitment to lifting morale among U.S servicemen stationed overseas.
