For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
May 29, 2003

Executive Order Establishing the Bob Hope American Patriot Award

By the Authority Vested in Me as President and as Commander in Chief by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is ordered as follows:

Section 1. Establishment of the Award. In order to encourage love of country, service to the people of the United States, and support for our Armed Forces, and in order to recognize the unique and lifelong service of Bob Hope to the United States Armed Forces and to the Nation through his unwavering patriotism and dedication to maintaining the morale of the troops he entertained for nearly six decades, and on the occasion of his 100th birthday, there is hereby established the Bob Hope American Patriot Award (Award).

Sec. 2. Granting and Presentation of the Award.

(a) The Award may be granted by the President, in his sole discretion, to any civilian individual who has demonstrated extraordinary love of country and devotion to the personnel of the United States Armed Forces, in the form of true patriotism. The Award may also be granted by the President to an organization that meets the same criteria.

(b) Other than in exceptional circumstances, no more than one Award may be granted in any given year.

(c) The presentation of the Award may take place at any time during the year.

(d) Subject to the provisions of this order, the Award may be conferred posthumously.

GEORGE W. BUSH
THE WHITE HOUSE,
May 28, 2003.

# # #