Hollywood Canteen

I spent part of yesterday afternoon with a bunch of young Marines on their way to Iraq.

The Bob Hope USO at Los Angeles Airport hosted a special Thanksgiving week luncheon. An old Army buddy of mine is the executive director there and he was nice enough to invite me to have some turkey and a piece of pumpkin pie with the troops.

Being retired military (US Army 1969-94), it was an honor and priviledge I could not refuse.

The Bob Hope USO at Los Angeles Airport is the successor to the famous "Hollywood Canteen" which served as a home away from home for servicemen and women on their way to and from the Pacific during World War Two.

Actor John Garfield felt the need for such a place. So together with Bette Davis, he and others in the motion picture industry helped turn the former livery stable into a nightclub at 1451 Cahuenga Boulevard, off Sunset (shown in the postcard above).

This Thanksgiving let's remember and give thanks to our soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen (and their loved ones!) for all the sacrifices they are willing to give on our behalf.

For more on the history of the Hollywood Canteen, click here.

For more on the USO and how to donate money or volunteer your time, click here.