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USO Canteen FReeper Style....USO Dance....April 13,2002
Graphics and Layout by Billie and Written by Snow Bunny ,Music by Mr_Magoo,Aquamarine,SAMWolf

Posted on 04/13/2002 2:40:35 AM PDT by Snow Bunny

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As you can see above, we here at the Canteen have Veterans, those serving now and those that have come to the Canteen to support our troops and thank our veterans. Please Join us in our USO Dance. Have a wonderful time.

Bing Crosby

The world is at war...Jitterbug, Rosie the Riveter, the Andrews Sisters, Dance Marathons, Ration Coupons, Betty Grable, Frank Swoonatra"...the list goes on and on. These images instantly take you back to a more innocent time, when Big Band music ruled the airwaves...and hearts.

So let us take you back--or introduce you--to these songs filled with bittersweet and melancholy lyrics and swing tunes that set your toes tapping and your spirits soaring.

 

 

We interrupt our regularly scheduled USO Canteen thread for this
Special Event USO Canteen FReeper Style Thread.

 

 

 

 

 

USO Canteen Freeper Style
Spring Dance
April 13, 2002

 
     The Men and Women of our Armed Forces are currently rotating in and out of harm's way on a daily basis. The USO has been providing a touch of home for these brave Men and Women for close to 60 years where ever they were. We here at FreeRepublic.com are trying to do the same in Cyberspace through our Canteen.

     One of the ways the USO strove to provide that "touch of home" was by hosting Dances for those in the Armed Forces. A Soldier, Sailor, Airman, or Marine could stop in and dance with a Lady, and in his mind be back home with his arms around his girl. For those precious few minutes there was no war to face, no homesickness, no sadness, no pain of friends lost or killed. Only soft music, sweet perfume, and thoughts of home.

     At the Dances the women would have a Dance Card to keep as a momento. A simple list of the songs played, with the names of men she just met scribbled next to the song they danced to. Memories of a lifetime captured on a little card.

     Today, The USO Canteen FReeper Style is hosting our own Dance in Cyberspace. So, check your hat and coat by the door, jump right in to any of our 4 Dance Halls, and stop by the Dining Room for a bite to eat. Each room has it's own Dance Card and Theme.

Good food, great conversation, and good times are waiting for you.

 

 

Tonight in the Main Ballroom we are featuring Big Band music. Miller, Ellington, Dorsey, and more.

jb_0204_uso_2_m.jpg (17837 bytes)
A New Year's Eve formal
dance at the Benedict Club,
a USO in Philadelphia

 

Mosey into the Barn for some high steppin' heel clickin' FUN! Here at The Canteen Country is still king.

reba_for_web_sm.jpg (33982 bytes)
Reba McEntire gives a special treat to
a serviceman in Italy.

 
   

Bobby Socks, Pony tails, and Brillcream are the order of the day for this room.

Image295.gif (109189 bytes)
U.S.O. Club full for the Halloween Dance
Anchorage, Alaska 1943

Over the last 60 years the USO has kept pace with the times and provided first run entertainment for our Forces. They continue to send groups to entertain our troops near the front lines today.

web2hill1326dccs.jpg (24626 bytes)
Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders
Hill 1326 near Tuzla, Bosnia
July 2000

 

Disco Lounge

Tonight's Dance Numbers:

1- I Will Survive
2- Uptown Girl
3- DiscoInferno
4- Dancing Queen
5- YMCA
6- Brown Eyed Girl
7- Macho Man
8- Staying Alive
9- The Hustle
10- In the Navy
 

A message for all members of The Armed Forces, both present and past:
When you first look at this thread, it may seen like we are celebrating. Well, we are.

We are celebrating YOU.

We are celebrating how proud we are of you and how you stand for our values all over the world. We are celebrating the gratitude we feel every day that you protect our Freedom. Freedom that was bought and paid for in the blood of those who went before you. We celebrate your bravery in battle. We celebrate your compassion towards innocents. We celebrate your dedication to a job that demands your being far from family and friends.

Come on in! You are our Guest of Honor.
We are celebrating . . .

YOU.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Personal Note:
I would like to thank Billie and Snow Bunny, the Canteen Tag-Team Hostesses, for allowing me to invade their turf and write the thread today. The dedication and effort they put into the Canteen threads every day is incredible. I know what I went through to come up with just one thread.

Ladies, what can I say, other than . . .

May I have this dance?

Mr_Magoo

 

1 posted on 04/13/2002 2:40:35 AM PDT by Snow Bunny
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To: *USO Canteen; Billie; Mr_Magoo;SAMWolf;Aquamarine ;archy;alamo-girl;angelwood;AFVetGal;abner...

Thank you Mr_Magoo, Aquamarine and Sam with all my heart for your hard work, creative talents and inspiration.......and tremendous help bringing the USO Dance to the wonderful USO Canteen FReeper Style.


These Pink Roses are for each of you dear friends
with a grateful appreciation from my heart.

2 posted on 04/13/2002 2:42:16 AM PDT by Snow Bunny
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To: Snow Bunny
Good morning Bunny.
3 posted on 04/13/2002 2:42:58 AM PDT by Aeronaut
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To: Billie;St.Louie1;Mama_Bear;Iowa Granny; whoever;

She was awarded the Distinguished Civilian Service Medal, the Defense Department's highest civilian award, for founding and running the Hollywood Canteen during World War II.

The Hollywood Canteen, was created by Bette Davis and John Garfield in 1942.

You name them, they were at The Hollywood Canteen. From the hostess herself, Bette Davis, to co-founder and vice-president to Davis's president, John Garfield, the canteen was alive with activity so close to Christmas Day.

I got a rousing smile from Davis when asking her how things were shaping up that night.

"To be sure, we formed a line for the congo half an hour ago and I got tripped up by Ronald Colman and Bonita Granville. But no one notices." She laughs just like you are supposed to, Bette, with plenty of energy. "

“ Later I'm supposed to give a speech and it's still being written. I'd wing it, only the last time I did that I didn't get any laughs. If you're standing in front of a few thousand soldiers, the least you can do is make them laugh." She was dressed in a blue cotton outfit with a white scarf dangling around her neck. Very simple, but attractive. Her hair, swept up, allowed me the chance to see she was wearing a small diamond stud in each ear lobe. They call her the little brown wren for her trends away from the glamorous styles of Hollywood. She had said she was the first actress to come in out of a rain, in the moving pictures, and actually look wet.

Suddenly Bette is whisked away by a man in a white hat, the cook, I suppose, so momentarily I began talking to a boy named Johnny at the bar. Johnny, with no last name, is but eighteen and enjoying his night at the canteen.

"So, you are from...?" I asked Johnny.

"Ohio, actually .Johnny is blond and wears a white sailors suit and grins most of the time. His shoes are muddy. I do not remember it raining and ask him about this. He looks down and grins. He can't tell me or won't.

"My mother would die. She loves this place. She goes to the picture show to see Gary Cooper in every movie he's in. I like Bing Crosby, personally. He come here ever?" I answer him that at any given night you can see celebrities walk in, have a drink, dance, sing and thank our servicemen and women.

Virtually a sea of servicemen on the floor of an establishment that was once called, 'The Old Barn,' back in the days when it was a livery stable and then a nightclub before it's remake into the world famous establishment it is today.

Just as I turn to see who is singing, I see a very familiar face smiles back at me.

"Why you rascal!" He says.

Clark Gable never looked more sly, more unique there among a crowd of rowdy sailors, marines and enlisted men whooping it up. Wearing a dark cream colored sweater, loose fitting casual slacks, he appeared out of breath. His hair gleamed in the lights overhead.. I shook his hand without a second thought. Old friends were nice to see.

“ You alone? How's that puppy?"

I had acquired a puppy two years ago from my aunt, the last time I saw Clark. I never forgave her. My sofa was a wreck . I told Clark the dog was fine. He smiled, a began looking around the room and dance floor.

I laughed. "You never change Clark.”

“Great to see you. There's a war you know. I'm a boy of leisure tonight. Wanna root beer? I have connections."

More laughs follow, but it was just then that I sawBette Davis make her re-entry. A piece of white paper firmly in her grip, possibly the speech she referred to earlier, flapped at her waist. She was not smiling this time; seemed to be mumbling, maybe her speech. A host of three others, one of which seemed to be Garfield, followed close behind. I called them the baby ducklings to Clark. He laughed again.

Somehow Bette made it to the stage. Small wonder too she could, wading through auto-graph hunting, dancing, young and not so young admirers, but it happened.

She looked out over the crowd. There was no sound coming from the microphone when she first spoke. She stepped back, stared in the general direction of the piano player for a minute or two and then tried again. While tapping on the microphone for sound some man yelled out from the crowd, "you're beautiful!" It was just the right thing to say. Immediately the smile I had seen half an hour earlier returned. She may of even blushed, but I know it was rather hot in there. Seconds later, she raised both hands for silence. Only Bette Davis could control a room full of soldiers and merry makers. In a minute's time, the room grew very still.

"I want to thank each and everyone of you that came out tonight to make our time in the canteen so special." She turned to someone behind her. The piano player again. "In an uncertain world like we live in, it's nice to believe in something worth while. You fellows out there inspire us all. I'm not in the Army, Navy, Marines or Air Corps, and I do better under Mr. Wyler's direction than under Mr. Roosevelt's (pausing for laughter), but in every other way I can, I'm with you whether it be here in your company or inside here (she points to her heart) or here (then to her head). And it's easy to say thank you, although that's really not enough, but for the moment I do hope you'll take that simple gesture of gratitude.! We love ya!"

After the clapping died down, Bette introduced the Andrew Sisters who performed their hit, Rum and Coca-cola. As I walked past the Servicemen beginning to dance again with the girls at the Canteen. I walked near the bar and waved to Clark, who was trying to leave but for a flock of girls trying to get him to dance.

Let's hope the world at large calms it's beasts as well and some peace prevails in the coming year. Till, then, keep your chins up and adieu from the Hollywood Canteen.

(This has been a fictional depiction
of the serviceman club known as,
The Hollywood Canteen.

In no way, shape or form did any of the above happen.
The Club did exist and similar situations may have
occurred during it's run at the time of World War II.)

Jeff May ( writter )

4 posted on 04/13/2002 2:46:34 AM PDT by Snow Bunny
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To: Aeronaut
Good morning my friend !!! Great to see you !
5 posted on 04/13/2002 2:47:48 AM PDT by Snow Bunny
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To: whoever;Daisyscarlett;BeforeISleep;Kayak

Jane Froman's three-decade career included radio and television, recordings on major labels, nightclub performances, and appearances in Broadway shows and Hollywood movies.

Jane's unique, dramatic voice seemed to mirror the courage with which she overcame multiple life adversities. One of these was the February, 1943 USO plane crash in which she suffered severe injuries. Her courageous return to Europe on crutches to inspire wounded servicemen was a focus of the 1952 award winning 20th-Century Fox movie, With a Song in My Heart. While Susan Hayward was Oscar-nominated for her portrayal of Jane, Jane's own singing on the soundtrack became a best-selling record album.

6 posted on 04/13/2002 2:49:12 AM PDT by Snow Bunny
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To: Jim Robinson
The USO Canteen FReeper Style has a place of Honor for Jim Robinson the Founder of Free Republic at all our functions.

Jim Robinson served in the U.S. Navy from 1965 to 1969 as an Interior Communications Electrician. Service included WESTPAC cruises aboard two destroyers and several combat "shore bomb" tours to Vietnam.

Thank you JimRob for serving our country and for the man you are. You have made a difference in so many lives, too many to count.
Thank you !

We hope you enjoy the music and thank you for the FReeper USO Canteen.

7 posted on 04/13/2002 2:50:46 AM PDT by Snow Bunny
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To: SAMWolf;4TheFlag;HiJinx;FallGuy;The Thin Man;COB1;Blackie;
Some guests of the USO Canteen Dance…….seen dancing with the Servicemen



8 posted on 04/13/2002 2:52:03 AM PDT by Snow Bunny
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To: Billie;whoever;Daisyscarlett;SassyMom;SpookBrat;mystomachisturning;LadyX;
Rita Hayworth and boyfriend Victure Mature ( 1942)


9 posted on 04/13/2002 2:54:09 AM PDT by Snow Bunny
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To: Mr_Magoo;Billie; Snow Bunny; FallGuy; JohnHuang2; Mama_Bear; Victoria Delsoul; daisyscarlett...
Please stop in for the USO Canteen Saturday Night Dance.
It's a chance for ALL of us to unwind and relax.
So come on in! Leave your troubles behind. Ladies first!
Enjoy the company of some of the best people on earth.
It's going to be a USO Dance that will go down in FReeper history!

CLICK ON THE DANCE PICTURE TO ENTER!



There is no charge for admission, food or drinks.
Please take a moment and Thank a Service Man or Woman.
Just Click on the logo to send an e-mail.


10 posted on 04/13/2002 2:55:26 AM PDT by 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub
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To: 68-69TonkinGulfYatchClub;Diver Dave;FallGuy;Nitro;A Navy Vet;Neil E. Wright;Jim Robinson
A Varga artwork Go Navy ! God Bless our Navy....


11 posted on 04/13/2002 2:57:08 AM PDT by Snow Bunny
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To: Snow Bunny;Billie;Mama_Bear;SassyMom;VictoriaDelsoul;SamWolf;Diver Dave
LouieWolf Has Arrived Early To The dance
Ladies...start your engines! LOL!

Good morning, Bunny. : )

12 posted on 04/13/2002 2:59:30 AM PDT by ST.LOUIE1
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To: 68-69TonkinGulfYatchClub
oh wow Hi Tonkin ! Here I thought you would be sound asleep right now. tee hee.

Thank you soooo much !

((( hug )))


Snow Bunny

13 posted on 04/13/2002 3:00:44 AM PDT by Snow Bunny
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To: Snow Bunny
"A Varga artwork Go Navy !"

I hope she'll be at the Dance!


14 posted on 04/13/2002 3:01:09 AM PDT by 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub
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To: Mr_Magoo
Great thread opener, Mr.M.
15 posted on 04/13/2002 3:03:41 AM PDT by ST.LOUIE1
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To: Snow Bunny
"Hi Tonkin ! Here I thought you would be sound asleep right now"

I wanted to stay up to set the link to go to right to the 1st post for everyone.
16 posted on 04/13/2002 3:03:43 AM PDT by 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub
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To: ST.LOUIE1
Good Morning LOUIE!
17 posted on 04/13/2002 3:04:55 AM PDT by 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub
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To: 68-69TonkinGulfYatchClub
Good Morning LOUIE!

Howdy, Tonk!

I can't believe I beat you to the dance. LOL

18 posted on 04/13/2002 3:08:51 AM PDT by ST.LOUIE1
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To: ST.LOUIE1
Oh Sir Wolf you look marvelous, a knockout!!!!
Thank you sooooo much for being here, it means an awful lot to me!!!!

WOW, a girl could dream about you. heh heh


Snow Bunny

I love your 'LOOK'and you.

19 posted on 04/13/2002 3:08:52 AM PDT by Snow Bunny
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To: 68-69TonkinGulfYatchClub
Love the picture Tonkin, oh yesss the Varga girl has plans for you. heh heh

Just so I get my dace too....giggle


Snow Bunny

20 posted on 04/13/2002 3:11:33 AM PDT by Snow Bunny
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