Thanks For the Memory

The U.S. Postal Service unveiled another 2009 commemorative on Monday, this one honoring legendary actor and comedian Bob Hope. Known for his “Road” movies with Bing Crosby and his tireless efforts to entertain American troops at home and abroad, Bob Hope was a fixture in the American entertainment community for decades. The unveiling of the new issue took place at the Ellis Island Research Library, which was rededicated as the Bob Hope Memorial Library. This dedication honors the English born Hope as the quintessential example of the American dream.

This is a beautiful looking issue, resembling the Legends of Hollywood series, but it is not part of that series. The stamp is also the first issued under the 2007 rule change that allows people who are not ex-presidents to be depicted on stamp five years after their death, where it had formerly been a decade. It is a great honor for a great man, and I think we will be seeing some lovely cachets for the First Day Cover.