[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 4187-4188]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  IN HONOR OF THE 65TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNITED SERVICE ORGANIZATION

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 28, 2006

  Mr. KUCINICH.  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor, recognition and 
celebration of the 65th Anniversary of the United Service Organization 
(USO), a non-profit, civilian organization established in 1941. Since 
then, the USO has filled a void in the lives of men and women serving 
in the U.S. military, by providing them with entertainment, recreation, 
support services and the priceless sense of connection to home.
  In 1941, the USO was incorporated in the State of New York. By 1944, 
USOs had been established in more than 3,000 locations across the 
country, held aloft by its volunteer membership. President Franklin 
Delano Roosevelt, who initially challenged six non-profit organizations 
to form a military support organization, became the first USO Honorary 
Chairperson--a role accepted by every President ever since. The mission 
of the USO has remained unwavering: To serve the spiritual, social, 
welfare, educational and entertainment needs of the men and women of 
the United States Armed Forces.
  Over the years, thousands of entertainers, famous and unknown, have 
volunteered their time and efforts to perform to grateful audiences on 
U.S. military bases around the world. From the legendary music of Duke 
Ellington to the manic comedy of Robin Williams, the USO tradition has 
carried on. The brilliant legacy of volunteerism that illuminates the 
life of the late Bob Hope, whose name is synonymous with the USO, is 
carried on through the song, dance and comedy of every volunteer who 
continues to keep the spirit of hope alive for our men and women 
serving our country far from home.
  Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition 
of the volunteers,

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past and present, of the United Service Organization. During times of 
war and peace, the USO continues to serve as a vital bond of calm and 
familiarity, uplifting the spirit of men and women in uniform with 
heartening support and entertainment reminiscent of home. We extend our 
deepest gratitude to those who have traveled thousands of miles, 
crossing perilous borders and lands of strife, to uplift their morale 
and reenergize the spirit of countless American soldiers around the 
world. On behalf of the memory of Bob Hope and the collective service 
of every volunteer--Thanks for the Memories.

                          ____________________