Bob Hope Lights up Disneyland
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The Disneyland Band began to play Silver Bells and Ms. Harriss continued, "Mr. Hope for more than half a century you have given up your own Christmases so that men and women serving in our armed forces overseas could feel a sense of warmth and hope for the holidays. Thats six generations of soldiers who have enjoyed brighter holidays because of you. Tonight some of those same veterans that youve entertained are here to thank you and to give something back and we have found that right here among our own Disneyland cast members. So please welcome Pharmacist Maiden Kay Spirito, United States Navy currently a cast member of our Candy Palace along with Major General T. Irby, United States Army retired presently our own Vice-President of Facilities, Engineering and Construction at the Disneyland Resort."
T. Irby presents Mr. Hope a crystal castle |
Standing alongside Mr. Hope, T.Irby said, Sir, please accept this crystal castle on behalf of all of the veterans that have worked for the Disney company over the years. We salute you sir and we wish you a very, merry Christmas. The castle stands about 14 inches tall. A small plaque on its base reads, "Bob Hope - Thanks For the Merriest Lighting on Earth. - From Your Friends at Disneyland - November 22, 1999"
"And now", Ms. Harriss announces, "it is time to officially light Disneyland for the holidays. Now most people would use a light switch but not Bob Hope. For you Mr. Hope we have created this very special Mickey Mouse Christmas golf ball. So would you please use your very special special magic and officially light Disneyland for the holidays."
The ball Mr. Hope hit to light Main Street