BIGGER USO HOME AT LAX.

Byline: Jason Kandel Staff Writer

In a tribute to legendary entertainer Bob Hope, several hundred people gathered Friday at LAX to celebrate the dedication of the new USO canteen that bears his name.

To music from the 1940s, patriotic tunes and comedy acts, Hope - who was 100 when he died June 27, 2003 - was honored for his dedication to the millions of military personnel he'd entertained over the years.

``This is also a memorial to a great American patriot,'' said Johnny Grant, a longtime Hope friend and the honorary mayor of Hollywood.

``Of course, it was Bob Hope who led the campaign to bring laughter and a touch of home to our battle-weary GIs everywhere. Without him and his efforts, there would be no USO today.''

Hope's widow, Dolores, 95, said it didn't matter what the war was about or what country it was in. Her husband was there to take care of the troops.

After entertaining his first military audience at March Field in California in 1941, Hope spent more than 50 Christmas seasons performing for U.S. troops, from World War II through the Persian Gulf War.

Although Hope was born in England and never served in the military himself, he was named an ``honorary veteran'' by President Clinton in October 1997.

``That's the main thing about the USO,'' Dolores Hope said. ``No matter what's going on, there's a place for (the troops) to have a little laugh and a little peace.''

Air Force Lt. Kathryn Reigelman, 23, said the USO was a breath of fresh air for members of the armed forces far away from home.

``The USO supports the military in a great way,'' said the personnel officer, who visits the USO at Los Angeles International Airport when she's traveling with the military. ``For a young airman overseas, it's overwhelming to go to a place that is a part of the U.S.''

The $513,000 United Service Organization canteen was funded by money raised during a campaign launched in October 2001. Radio station KRTH-FM (101.1) was a prime leader for the fund-raiser. The new space replaces a smaller facility at the airport.

The 4,000-square-foot center houses a small Bob Hope museum and a photo display from the old Hollywood Canteen, which served U.S. troops during World War II.

Jason Kandel, [phone]

jason.kandel(at)dailynews.com

CAPTION(S):

2 photos

Photo:

(1) All those who attended Friday's dedication of the renovated Bob Hope USO canteen at LAX received a set of dog tags containing information about the facility.

(2) Dolores Hope, the comedian's widow, received a standing ovation as she arrived to tour the newly expanded canteen.

Gene Blevins/Special to the Daily News