February 4
USO DAY
On this day in 1941, the Salvation Army, the YMCA and YWCA, the National Catholic Community Services, the National Travelers Aid Association and the National Jewish Welfare Board pooled their resources, at the request of U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, to form a new organization. The United Service Organizations was created to provide unduplicated recreational services to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who were on leave. USO centers became the GI’s home away from home, providing a meeting place, a quiet place, religious counsel, entertainment and free coffee and doughnuts. The USO at once became synonymous with the entertainment of American troops. During World War II, USO Camp Shows entertained on the home front and overseas. The Korean War, Viet Nam, peace time stations, Desert Storm, Somalia ... anywhere, anytime there is an American in the Armed Forces, the USO is there.
The USO’s mission has changed since its inception; its objective is to enhance the quality of life of U.S. Armed Forces personnel and to create a partnership between the military and civilian communities worldwide.
This volunteer, civilian organization, although chartered by Congress, is not part of the U.S. government; yet without it, the men and women in the U.S. Armed Forces would be isolated from civilian influences and without a place to call home.
Those Were the Days, the Today in History service from 440 International
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