Join in: Celebrating 82 years of the United Service Organization
Image of troops during USO tour via www.uso.org.
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The following piece was contributed by the Northport Historical Society’s Education Coordinator Carol Taylor.
In a world plagued with wars and political strife, the members of our armed forces have historically dedicated their lives to protect the United States and the world.
From its inception during World War II and through today, the United Service Organization, or USO, has been a home-away-from-home outpost for our active-duty service members. Providing a welcoming space has been the mission of the USO – in the New York area, there is a USO outpost at JFK Airport in Queens.
The USO was founded on February 4, 1941 by Mary Ingraham, a Northport summer resident whose family eventually settled here full time. At the bequest of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, she brought together six organizations: the Salvation Army, the Young Women Christian Association (YWCA), the Young Men Christian Association (YMCA), the National Catholic Community Service, the National Travelers Aid Association, and the National Jewish Welfare Board.
President Roosevelt sought to boost morale and provide recreation to U.S. uniformed military personnel and Mrs. Ingraham answered his call. At the time, Mrs. Ingraham was the president of the YMCA. The USO elected Roosevelt as honorary chairperson.
Please join the Society’s USO Canteen Day event on Sunday, November 5, to pay tribute to Mrs. Ingraham and the many USO volunteers, while celebrating our veterans and active-duty service members. The USO Canteen Day, presented by Northport Historical Society and Trinity Episcopal Church, will be held in the church’s Houghton Hall on Main Street.
Food and drink will be provided, as will big band entertainment by Glenn Baldwin & Friends of Jazz, with a special appearance by Northport High School Tour Choir. It will be a fun afternoon to honor our military, meet old friends and make new ones. Dancing and raffles, too!
The USO Canteen Day event begins at 1pm on Sunday, November 5. It is open to the public and free to veterans and active-duty members. To register and get your tickets ($5/pp, all ages welcome), click here.
