I was at NKP for two Christmas Seasons, 1967 and 1968. Christmas would probably have come and gone but for a single reminder of the Season.   For me, Christmas actually arrived when Bob Hope and the USO did their show.

I was fortunate enough to actually get to see (from near the back) the shows both years. The emotions that ran through me were as strong as any I had felt about Christmas's in my youth.  Each act was a fresh present that I can still remember, though the names of many of the performers have faded with the years.

What has never faded was the closing song from Bob and the entire entourage both years.   As Silent Night swelled and faded from the voices of almost 5,000 men and the few women there, each would fall silent as throats closed from the memories of home and the thoughts of loved ones so far away.  Eyes misted over as we saw clearly once more our families and homes.  For just a moment, we were enraptured with the Season, the depths of emotion almost beyond words. As the final words faded from the echoes, the cheers and applause went on seemingly forever.

Afterward, each wrapped in our own thoughts, we headed on our individual paths once more.  But the gift we had received during those all too brief moments still carry through even now.

Thank You Bob Hope and Company...

Copyright December, 1998 by J Henthorn.  All rights reserved.