Bob Hope’s nearly 100 and few have provided so much enjoyment to so many as this entertainment icon.

When discussions turn to topics such as national treasures, the persona and achievements of entertainer Bob Hope have to be included.

The amazing Mr. Hope will observe his 100th birthday on May 29. NBC is presenting a two-hour special, “100 years of Hope and Humor,” on Sunday. The man has had innumerable tributes through the years, and the brilliant comedian who has become such a friend of people in armed forces has deserved all of them. Even the motion picture academy which, he often jokingly reminded audiences, had never awarded him an Oscar, has given him special lifetime recognition far beyond reception of a single statue.

British-born, Hope struggled early on and once even tried prize-fighting under the name Packy East. To his credit and to the delight of millions of people since the 1930s, that career was short-lived. The witty fellow with the fast repartee, passable singing voice, the ability to perform as a dancer and a comic actor of brilliance excelled in virtually every entertainment medium — stage, screen, clubs, radio, television and in person before so many service people who craved his attention and often got it.

Following the budding of his radio career in the 1930s, Hope took it upon himself to go anywhere at any time, most notably at the holidays, to entertain World War II troops. He often was in personal danger but he stressed he wanted to share the experiences with the people he chose to honor for their devotion to country. His chief sidekick was crooner Bing Crosby, and some of the wartime shows they produced on radio and on makeshift battle area stages were incomparable. Hope’s shows continued through the Vietnam War.

Early on, Hope considered television a flash in the pan. But he managed to find the right niche and, in 1950, made his first big-time appearance on NBC on Easter Sunday. He never looked back, continuing to excel as the friendly buffoon who loved to laugh at himself and didn’t always have to control center stage.

Hope’s daughter, Linda, wrote the script for Sunday’s honor show and says her dad is looking forward to it. He will watch with Dolores, his wife of 69 years. At nearly 100, Bob is homebound and his health is not ideal, but it is wonderful that he will be able to see the tribute and realize just how great an impact he has made.

When one talks of treasures, many factors must be considered. As for Bob Hope, his career is such that he not only is a national but an international treasure who has brought joy and delight that few others ever have produced for the betterment of humanity.