Aloha to San Diego - The Greatest Generation Walk

 

I woke early one morning in San Diego to enjoy the Greatest Generation Walk.  From the Port of San Diego (link),

In 1998 Tom Brokaw, the veteran NBC Nightly News anchor, authored a best-selling book The Greatest Generation. His story told of the generation of Americans who grew during the Great Depression, went on to fight in World War II and later helped build shape the post-war America we know today. The spirit of those men and women is commemorated with a collection of U.S. military heritage art in Tuna Harbor Park, the shore of San Diego Bay.

The Greatest Generation Collection, as well as the other military memorials in the park, honor and celebrate the people, events and military heritage spanning the time from World War II to today. Located in the shadow of the decommissioned aircraft carrier USS Midway, the artworks and provide a magnificent setting in which to learn, remember and become inspired.

"Unconditional Surrender" is a 25-foot sculpture that brings to life a famous black and white image of a sailor kissing a young nurse in Times Square, New York City, on August 14, 1945. The image captures the spontaneous eruption of joy and euphoria that swept a war-weary nation when the public announcement was finally made that World War II was over. 

Bob Hope, the actor, entertainer and comedian, is almost universally known around the world for his long career as a star of film and television. Yet it is in the hearts of generations of U.S. servicemen that his most enduring legacy resides. For a span of over fifty years beginning in 1943, he dedicated himself to entertaining soldiers, sailors and airmen of the armed forces in the many battle fronts and remote outposts where they've served throughout the world. His overseas USO tours, which often took place over Christmas, were deeply appreciated and fondly remembered by countless thousands of servicemen on protracted tours of duty, often under combat conditions, far from their homes and families.

 

The tribute broadcasts several of his skits ... I laughed along with the recorded cheers of the military personnel.

The bronze sailor stands in front of the USS San Diego memorial. The Pacific Ocean is depicted on the ground in front of him; Hawaii is behind him.  Thank you, the Greatest Generation, for your service!  I am giving away a book choice from my convention stash to one randomly selected commenter from this week's posts - today's comments are open forum.  Comments are open through Saturday, July 30, 10 pm in Baltimore.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, July 31.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

 Another view of the Kissing Couple

Wednesday's Warriors - United Service Organization (USO) 75th Birthday

Tomorrow is the USO's 75th birthday.  From its website,

President Franklin D. Roosevelt sought to unite several service associations into one organization to lift the morale of our military and nourish support on the home front. Those entities – the Salvation Army, Young Men’s Christian Association, Young Women’s Christian Association, National Catholic Community Services, National Travelers Aid Association and the National Jewish Welfare Board - became the United Service Organizations or, the USO.

Bob Hope in WWII 

Public Domain (link)

Today, the USO has continued to support our nation’s military and their families for over seven decades as they defend our country and its freedoms. By providing support to our servicemen and women as they perform their most challenging duties around the world, our credo is to be always by their side.

The reach of the USO’s 160 centers extends to countries on every continent except Antarctica, operated by thousands of staff and volunteers whose goals are to match our service members’ vigilance and provide best-in-class service to those who sacrifice so much for America.

I stopped by the USO at the Tampa International Airport to check my email before my flight home to Maryland.  The Tampa Bay Buccaneers sponsored the refreshment area.

I've also seen Gary Sinese's Lt Dan Band , above, while living in Hawaii.  Here's a list of celebrities who have performed for the USO - do you have a favorite?  I was pleasantly surprised to see Vivian Vance (Ethel from I Love Lucy) on the list.

One randomly selected commenter from this week's blog posts wins a book choice from my convention stash.  Comments are open through Saturday, February 6, 10 pm in Baltimore.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, February 7 at SOS Aloha.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Marilyn Monroe in Korea

Public Domain (link)