Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the United Service Organizations, commonly known as the USO, on its 75th anniversary. Since February 4, 1941, the USO has been serving alongside our men and women in uniform. Ahead of our entry into World War II and having witnessed the morale issues among the ranks during World War I, Army Chief of Staff General George C. Marshall called for an effort that would bring together private, civilian organizations to provide recreational activities and entertainment for the troops. As President Franklin D. Roosevelt stated, ``not by machines alone will we win this war,'' and so he directed the newly formed USO to keep servicemembers in touch with the comforts of home, no matter where they were deployed. Initially led by the YMCA, YWCA, the Salvation Army, the National Jewish Welfare Board, the National Catholic Community Service, and the Traveler's Aid Society, the USO provided servicemen with wholesome recreation and entertainment. According to Walter Hoving, one of the original directors of the USO, ``this is not only vital to military morale but also from the standpoint of the future of our youth as peacetime citizens.'' Seventy-five years later, the USO continues to adapt to meet the needs of our men and women in uniform and their families.…”