[caption id=“attachment_3226” align=“aligncenter” width=“500” caption=“Troops enjoy a BBQ at the grand re-opening of the Pat Tillman Memorial USO Center in Bagram, Afghanistan on July 8, 2009. (USO Photo by Dave Gatley)”][/caption]

Wherever you are this Independence Day, know that our USO Family wishes you a happy and healthy holiday!  The USO lifts the spirits of troops and their families millions of times a year at thousands of places worldwide, and we want to extend a special THANK YOU to all of those serving and all who have served.

In celebration, we’ve pulled together some of our favorite summertime and patriotic photos from the past seven decades - we hope you enjoy!

And as you gather around the grill or pull out the lawn chairs for fireworks, take a moment to remember the sacrifice of our men and women in uniform…Until Every One Comes Home.

[caption id=“attachment_3225” align=“aligncenter” width=“500” caption=“A serviceman and USO volunteer enjoy the perfect snack on a hot day! (USO archives, date unknown)”][/caption]

[caption id=“attachment_3229” align=“aligncenter” width=“500” caption=“A military spouse and her child enjoy ice cream at a USO event in the 1950s. (USO archives)”][/caption]

[caption id=“attachment_3227” align=“aligncenter” width=“500” caption=“"I want to be just like you when I grow up.” (USO archives)“][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3228” align=“aligncenter” width=“500” caption=“Grilling out at a USO Center in China Beach. (USO archives)”][/caption]