USO Day

Categories:: Federal
Tags:: American Civic Military
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Every February 4
Holiday emoji:: 🇺🇸

USO Day on February 4 celebrates the United Service Organizations, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting U.S. service members and their families. Since 1941, the USO has provided comfort, care, and connection to those who serve. Join us in recognizing their vital work by donating, volunteering, or spreading awareness.

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Expected USO Day Deals

USO Day is a time for appreciation, not commercial deals, but many brands offer year-round military discounts that are highlighted on this day. Look for special offers from companies like Starbucks, which provides discounts to active duty military and veterans. Lowe’s and The Home Depot offer 10% military discounts on most purchases. Verizon and T-Mobile have dedicated plans and savings for military families. Many local restaurants and businesses may also offer special recognition or small gestures of thanks. We will update this page with confirmed live appreciation programs as February 4 approaches.

Platform Guide for USO Day

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #USODay. Share stories of service members impacted by the USO or highlight local USO center activities.

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #USODay. Share insights on corporate support for military families or veteran employment initiatives.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #USODay. Share photos or videos from USO events or post messages of gratitude to service members.

USO Day Hero

Bob Hope

Legendary entertainer Bob Hope became synonymous with the USO, performing for U.S. troops across multiple wars and decades, from World War II to the Gulf War. His tireless efforts to bring laughter and a touch of home to service members earned him honorary veteran status and made him one of the most beloved figures in military history. Hope's dedication embodied the spirit of the USO, providing morale and comfort to millions far from home.

History of USO Day

Sometime before U.S. involvement in the Second World War, social reformer Mary Ingraham received a special request from President Roosevelt. Roosevelt believed military troops needed cheering up. So Ingraham, with Roosevelt as the chairman, created a special organization — the USO, formed from six other service organizations — in 1941, to provide entertainment and a slice of home to all uniformed military personnel.

At first, the organizers wanted special live shows and events to boost morale and showcase American involvement in the war. This brought out ‘Camp Shows,’ which were live shows performed by various members of the entertainment industry, including many then-superstars. Some were paid, but most top stars came on as volunteers, placing their own lives in danger to perform under hazardous conditions. By November 1941, overseas shows had begun, and the first was held in the Caribbean. Overseas shows were held in multiple places during the war, including China, Russia, Burma, Australia, and the U.K.

The USO disbanded after the war, as people believed it had served its purpose, only to be revived during the Cold War. These actions would be repeated during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and would also show how important the USO was to troops’ morale. The USO got a government charter by the late 1970s and subsequently worked to raise the spirits (even more than before) of all those working in the military. Their purpose also evolved over the years, with many programs now featuring quality-of-life improvements for military personnel and their families alongside the entertainment the USO was famous for.

Today’s USO helps the troops a hundred times as much as before, providing emergency contact, financial assistance, and even educational aid for American soldiers all over the globe.

USO Day timeline

February 4, 1941

USO Day Gets an Official Proclamation

President Richard Nixon proclaims this day as USO Day and urges every American to lend their support to the organization.

2003

The USO's Own Congressional Caucus

To enhance outreach, a group of U.S. Congress members decides to meet regularly to pursue USO-led objectives.

2011

An Award for the Arts

President Obama awards the USO the ‘National Medal of Arts’ — the highest arts-based honor the U.S. government has — for their efforts toward raising the troops' spirits unflaggingly over the years.

November 11, 2020

A T.V. Tribute

A special on the “History Channel” showcases almost 80 years of USO efforts, with actor and USO regular Bryan Cranston presenting.

November 22, 2021

“For the Boys”

An American musical comedy-drama about two USO performers is released, covering the birth of the USO in 1941 until 1991's ‘Operation Desert Storm.’

How Businesses Can Celebrate USO Day

Local businesses can honor USO Day by organizing donation drives for care packages or by offering special discounts to service members and their families. Restaurants might host a ‘Heroes Eat Free’ day or dedicate a portion of sales to the USO. Retailers can highlight products from veteran-owned businesses or create displays that educate customers about the USO’s mission. Consider sponsoring a local USO event or encouraging employees to volunteer their time at a nearby center to directly support military personnel.

USO Day FAQs

When is USO Day?

In 2027, USO Day is observed on Friday, February 4, providing an excellent opportunity to celebrate the vital work of the USO as the week concludes. The date remains fixed each year.

How many service members does the USO impact?

The USO continues its extensive reach, supporting millions of service members and their families globally each year. Its network of over 250 centers worldwide ensures that a wide array of military personnel benefit from its morale-boosting and supportive services.

What is the mission of the USO?

At its core, the USO strives to be a force for good, providing a continuum of care for service members from the moment they join, through their deployments, and as they transition back to civilian life. Its programs are designed to uplift and support the entire military community.

Is USO Day a federal holiday?

While not a public holiday, USO Day on February 4 is widely recognized by military communities, veterans’ organizations, and supporters across the United States. It serves as an important annual reminder to appreciate the USO’s ongoing efforts.

How to Observe USO Day

Attend a USO event
The entire month of February is filled with special events and activities organized by the USO itself in many locations, not only in the U.S. but also across the world. Visit the ones closest to you. Take your friends and family along.
Learn more about this organization
Watch a USO-themed movie or documentary, read articles and books about this organization, and check out their website to know more about the USO and its efforts.
Show your support
The USO welcomes help in all forms. You can donate, participate, and volunteer for their programs and causes.

5 Fascinating Facts About The USO

Bob Hope and the USO
Late comedian Bob Hope entertained forces for around 50 years, becoming the first and only honorary veteran of the U.S. armed forces in 1997.
More volunteers than paid employees
The USO website states that overseas there are 20 times more volunteers than USO employees, and the number is much higher inside the country.
WWII was dangerous for USO volunteers
Flying into war zones meant injuries, or worse: 37 entertainers lost their lives while trying to boost troops' morale during the war.
The USO-Coca-Cola partnership
They've been partnering ever since the USO was formed, and Coca-Cola even pledged to serve their drinks at only 5 cents to every soldier no matter the cost to the firm.
The USO was honorably discharged
Like thousands of military people, the USO was given an honorable discharge — issued by President Truman — at the end of World War II in 1947.

Why USO Day is Important

They connect troops and their families
The USO's events bridge the long gap between the military personnel and their families. It allows both to keep the other near, effortlessly.
They have multiple programs
They are not just a one-program-wonder. The USO also provides counseling for returning troops, family programs, and even travel-based services for military people and their families.
They make a real difference
Donations and funding mean the USO has a larger resource pool, and volunteers help convert ideas into reality. What this means is that the USO can make a bigger impact on everyone in (and connected to) the U.S. armed forces.