Bob Hope could twist everyone around his finger. All it took was one song, one “thanks for the memory”, and Shirley Ross was ready to reconcile their failing marriage in The Big Broadcast of 1938. For 50 years, it worked on American troops, too. Hope mesmerized millions of military men and women with quick-punch jokes, a swinging golf club, and a rendition of that thankful theme song written especially for them. He offered his appreciation. And it made a connection. Gratitude works that way, whether it’s for something as big as thanking an infantry man for service to his...