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The exhibit also includes a plaque of Hope's induction into the U.S. Blind Golf Association Hall of Fame and his name tag proclaiming him an "active member." "When I miss a shot, I just think what a beautiful day it is ... then I take a deep breath. I have to do that. That's what gives me the strength to break the club," Hope is quoted as saying. Jokes aside, the exhibit also captures Hope's appreciation for military service. There are pictures of him shaking hands with injured troops, some who had lost limbs but had smiles on their faces. There are pictures and video of Hope entertaining on stage during World War II, Vietnam and other wars. "This brings another aspect of the war that we're not always able to tell through our permanent exhibits," said Toni Kiser, the National WWII Museum's curator who put the exhibit together. "It was really important to the troops to get rest and relaxation, and not only did they love to be entertained with music and comedy, it was necessary for them to have that down time, to not be in fight mode the entire time." Hope, it seemed, knew that. "I have seen what a laugh can do," he is quoted as saying, in the exhibit space with pictures of him with wounded troops. "It can transform almost unbearable tears into something bearable, even hopeful." The exhibit will remain on display in New Orleans through Oct. 31.
[Associated
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