Today in History: United Service Organization

Merry Christmas to GI Joe
Today in History–February 4–the Library of Congress features the United Service Organization, more commonly known as the USO, incorporated on this date in 1941. The USO was organized by six social service organizations to to provide recreational opportunities and resources for members of the U.S. armed forces on leave. Soon after, the USO created Camp Shows Inc., to bring volunteer entertainers to troops at home and abroad. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section and clicking the links below.

USO image set

USO historical newspaper coverage

On the Road: USO Shows – Bob Hope and American Variety (online exhibition)

Public Service – Bob Hope and American Variety (online exhibition)

USO archived website September 20, 2001 to November 27, 2002

On This Day: USO Founded 75 Years Ago In Custodia Legis blog February 4, 2016

Serving the Armed Forces: The USO Folklife Today blog February 27, 2014

Faces of the Veterans History Project Folklife Today blog November 20, 2015