Tie One On for Veteran's Day

On Veterans' Day, tie one on (...a Victory Apron, of course!), and salute the nation's oldest support to military personnel, the USO.

In its 73rd year, the USO continues its mission to deliver a touch of home to those serving in the military in a faraway place. Organized in 1941 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as a "Home Away from Home" for U.S. troops, the United Service Organizations (USO) is a non-governmental organization still run by civilian volunteers.

Throughout World War II, USO centers in over 3,000 communities provided the military with offerings as diverse as child care for military wives to a quiet place for talking, writing letters or receiving religious counsel to an off-duty place for dancing and socializing. And on hand to greet, comfort and serve a cup of free coffee, sandwiches and doughnuts, were the young women and ladies in their victory aprons.

As the icon of America's mothers, the apron symbolized the comfort and security of the home, with the red, white and blue Victory Apron a reminder of motherhood and the American home as patriotic symbols worth fighting for.

Printed and copyrighted in 1943 by McCall Corporation, this Victory Apron pattern was one size and cost twenty-five cents. With the company's permission, Apron Memories offers the complete (and resized) pattern for sale.

The purchase price includes a $5 donation to the USO organization, in support of its mission to US military personnel and their families: Until Every One Comes Home.

For decades, where America's men and women in the military have gone, the USO has gone.

Today's USO continues this tradition at more than 120 USO centers worldwide. The Victory Apron is a reminder of that mission.