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Marilyn Monroe performs for service members in Korea in 1954.
Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons
Towards the end of the First World War, American military leaders realized that they had a moral problem.
Flooded with reports that filled troops Every free time With excessive alcohol consumption and sexual escapades that resulted in sexually transmitted diseases, army commanders expressed their concern about the fitness of their soldiers for the fight. Private organizations such as the Salvation Army and the American Red Cross stepped up to offer support and offers healthy entertainment options to keep soldiers out of service and to keep and keep busy Morally.
Almost two decades later, with the United States to enter the Second World War, President Franklin D. Roosevelt requested that these private organizations are a more permanent answer to the needs of the army. Recorded in New York February 41941, the United Service organizations (USO) Centralized moral efforts by the Christian Association for young men, the Young Women’s Christian Association, the National Catholic Community Service, the National Jewish Welfare Board, the National Travelers Aid Association and the Salvation Army.
The USO created recreational centers for troops to come together and relax. These centers served coffee and donuts, thoroughly screened young women to socialize with service members and organized activities such as writing letters.
The core of the USO was the idea that “entertainment, all phases – radio, photos and live – should be treated essential”, “, Billboard magazine Reported in 1943. In addition to showing films, the USO Hollywood decided to bring to the front lines and to coordinate tours of some of the country’s most popular artists. The army flew comedians, musicians and dancers from the US to perform for troops around the world, starting just a few months after the USO was admitted.
Comedian Bob Hope Made 50 years of touring with the USO in May 1941, while Filmster Edward G. Robinson traveled to France to Meet troops In 1944. Between these shows, troops stationed in the Caribbean enjoyed performances by singer Jane Pickens, Danser Ray Bolger and comedians Laurel and Hardy.
Bob Hope (center, in Pak) is located with American service members in Korea in 1950.
Tours continued after the Second World War. One of the most iconic acts of the USO saw Marilyn Monroe Journey to Korea In 1954. She played for around 100,000 service members for only four days. During the war in Vietnam, Nancy Sinatra Sang for troops and visited injured maid.
The USO remains active today and lives out the same ideals. The organization Center on the front lines Ensure refreshments and internet access to troops and the staff send holiday care packages to those who are stationed far from family and friends. The USO also organizes virtual and on-site versions. From the cheerleaders from Dallas Cowboys to Katy Perry to Stephen Colbert, celebrities are still volunteer work to stimulate the moral of the troops.
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