The USO came into being during a dark time in history. The U.S. was not at war, but the rest of the world seemed to be. Hitler’s troops stood at the English Channel and launched nightly air raids against London.
In the face of such threats, the U.S. instituted a military draft, calling hundreds of thousands of men to the colors, and Americans wanted to reach out to their young men. President Franklin D. Roosevelt asked charitable organizations to band together to provide morale and recreation services to service members. Actor-comedian Bob Hope —a man whose name would be virtually synonymous with the organization—held the first camp show in 1941, and for the next five decades, he was the face of the organization.Bob Hope Through the Years on You Tube.
In the face of such threats, the U.S. instituted a military draft, calling hundreds of thousands of men to the colors, and Americans wanted to reach out to their young men. President Franklin D. Roosevelt asked charitable organizations to band together to provide morale and recreation services to service members. Actor-comedian Bob Hope —a man whose name would be virtually synonymous with the organization—held the first camp show in 1941, and for the next five decades, he was the face of the organization.Bob Hope Through the Years on You Tube.
Learn about the Bob Hope:An American Treasure exhibit at the Cleveland History Center
(this interview had to be rescheduled)
(this interview had to be rescheduled)
And in an uplifting PBS special, Lidia Celebrates America: Holiday for Heroes, Lidia Bastianich meets with veterans who reflect on their service. Each discusses their longing to be reunited with family during holidays, the challenges and sacrifices of their work, and the pride they take in having defended our country. Together, they create a distinct image of the diversity of the United States military.
Listen to this program here.
All Gave Some. Some Gave All.
Always Remember
