The Memorial Opera House is honoring military service on Veterans Day.
Set for 1 p.m. Wednesday, the USO-themed “Salute to Veterans” is featuring music and dance.
Scot MacDonald, artistic director for the opera house, said his venue stands as a “Civil War memorial.”
Wednesday’s presentation acknowledges the sacrifices made in that conflict, and others.
“We want to celebrate veterans of all eras as best as we can,” MacDonald said.
USO stands for United Service Organizations. The USO had its beginnings in the early 1940s as World War II was escalating.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt sought to unite various service associations to raise the morale of military personnel and foster support on the home front. The USO went on to become known for its star-studded tours that entertained troops overseas.
The USO-themed tribute in Valparaiso is part of the Memorial Opera House’s Lunchtime Cabaret series.
According to promotional material, the afternoon will feature stories and recollections from local veterans in attendance, or those who have submitted their accounts to be presented by performers.
Additionally, music from the World War II era is on tap at the event, which is free to veterans and those currently in the military.
Some of the 1940s songs set for performance are “Shoo Shoo Baby,” “Sentimental Journey,” “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” and “As Time Goes By.”
Among the vocalists is Christina Pals of Valparaiso.
Ready to raise her voice in a group setting and in a solo capacity, Pals said she is pleased to help pay homage to the Americans who made sacrifices in defense of their country.
“My grandfather was a World War II veteran,” she said. “It’s very humbling that I get to do this for these people.”
Pals said she and other entertainers will complement their presentations with an appropriate onstage look.
“We’re going to try to get that ’40s feel,” she noted.
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Besides Pals, the Veterans Day tribute will showcase other local talent that includes John Peluso and Bryce Shaffer (both of Valparaiso), Valerie Balogh (Chesterton), Natalia Klobuchar (Portage) and Stephen Sienecki (Merrillville). Playing piano will be Jim Mollin of Hammond.
The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War will handle honor guard duties.
A news release from the opera house states that partners including United Way, AmeriCorps, the Porter County Museum and Visiting Nurses Association will honor veterans in attendance and memorialize those who died.
According to the Memorial Opera House website, the building was constructed in 1893 to commemorate those who fought in the Civil War.
Bob Kostanczuk is a freelance writer.
‘Salute to Veterans’
Where: Memorial Opera House, 104 E. Indiana Ave., Valparaiso
When: 1 p.m. Wednesday
Tickets: Adults $13; students and 59 and older $11; veterans/current military free with ID
Information: 219-548-9137 or www.memorialoperahouse.com