USO Show at Military Museum to Salute Vietnam Veterans

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Performers during 2012's World War II-themed USO Show at the New York State Military Museum. (Courtesy Paul Fanning)

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY (06/05/2013)(readMedia)-- The New York State Military Museum hosts its second annual USO fundraiser and invites Vietnam Veterans and the community to a real USO radio show that turns the clock back to the 1960s.

The nation marked the start of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War in 2012 and New York State and the Military Museum are Commemorative Partners with the Department of Defense to honor the service of Vietnam Veterans and their families.

Guests will be taken on a journey back to the Vietnam era as the Friends of the NYS Military Museum, the volunteer support organization of the museum, turns the New York State Military Museum into a real USO Armed Forces Radio Network Show, similar to the kind Bob Hope broadcasted from all over the world.

"This show and all of the Museum's exhibits and educational programs are an important part of New York's efforts to honor its military veterans of the past, present, and future, and public support is vital," said lance Ingmire, president of the Friends of the NYS Military Museum.

Local re-enactor and historian, Gary Ferris, will be the radio host for the afternoon from 2-5 p.m., performing monologues inspired by Bob Hope.

The Manhattan Dolls will return this year for another performance of favorite songs from the Vietnam era. The trio of women will entertain the crowd with singing, dancing, and having fun!

"Good Afternoon Vietnam" is Friend's latest program combining unique entertainment with a history lesson and giving the public a way to support a very special institution by buying a ticket and coming to the show. Funds raised help in the archiving, preservation and display of military artifacts and archives of New York's veterans.

The event will also have delicious refreshments, similar to those served at real USO Shows.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to view the exhibits of the Military Museum of all eras, including the permanent WWI and WWII exhibits and the Civil War 150th Anniversary Exhibit now under construction.

The Friends of the NYS Military Museum is the volunteer support organization that organizes and presents special programs and raises funds and awareness to help the Museum staff maintain the facility and gain needed financial support for new exhibits.

"Good Afternoon Vietnam" kicks off at 2 p.m. and runs to 5 p.m. and includes refreshments similar to those served at USO venues. Advance tickets are $30 and $35 at the door. Active military rate is $25. Tickets can be purchased at the Museum Gift Shop or on line at www.friendsofthenysmilitarymuseum.com