The Radio City Rockettes Join Forces With the USO to Support Service Members and Their Families From Memorial Day Through the Patriotic Season

NEW YORK, May 25, 2017 -- The Madison Square Garden Company announced today that the Radio City Rockettes and the United Service Organizations (USO) are re-energizing a more than 70-year association between the two historic organizations. The Radio City Rockettes are making various appearances across the country in the upcoming months to honor the courage and dedication of the service men and women and their families who have devoted their lives to serving their country.

“We are proud to renew this meaningful alliance between the Radio City Rockettes and the USO, which dates back more than 70 years,” said David O’Connor, President and CEO of The Madison Square Garden Company. “This will enable the Radio City Rockettes to once again honor, recognize and thank our active troops, veterans and their families for their unprecedented service to their country by participating in special appearances and performances across the United States.”

“We are thrilled to be joining forces with the Radio City Rockettes in honor of our nation’s men and women in uniform this patriotic season,” said Lorie Hennessey, Senior Vice President of USO Entertainment. “Their one-of-a-kind performances will support the USO and its mission to strengthen service members by connecting them to family, home and country throughout their service to the nation.”

Yesterday evening, the Radio City Rockettes kicked off their support for the USO at the official Fleet Week New York 2017 “Rock The Fleet” party for Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York City. The Radio City Rockettes will continue their support at Sail Boston on Saturday, June 17.

Additional USO appearances and performances by the Radio City Rockettes will be announced soon.

The Radio City Rockettes were among the first entertainers to join the USO in the 1940s after the United States entered World War II. The dance troupe traveled abroad to entertain the troops and performed across the country in support of the wartime effort at home. While shows continued at Radio City Music Hall, select Radio City Rockettes continued to perform for the armed forces, including in wartime shows at the Stage Door Canteen, the Copacabana and the Army Air Corps Base in Pawling, New York. The dance troupe also held a war bond rally with Eleanor Roosevelt at Madison Square Garden.

For photos from “Rock The Fleet,” please see the following link: http://rockett.es/USO (Photo Credit: Santiago Felipe/Getty Images)

About The Madison Square Garden Company
The Madison Square Garden Company (MSG) is a world leader in live sports and entertainment experiences.  The company presents or hosts a broad array of premier events in its diverse collection of iconic venues: New York’s Madison Square Garden, The Theater at Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall and Beacon Theatre; the Forum in Inglewood, CA; The Chicago Theatre; and the Wang Theatre in Boston.  Other MSG properties include legendary sports franchises: the New York Knicks (NBA), the New York Rangers (NHL) and the New York Liberty (WNBA), along with two development league teams -- the Westchester Knicks (NBADL) and the Hartford Wolf Pack (AHL).  In addition, the Company features popular original entertainment productions -- the Christmas Spectacular and New York Spectacular – both starring the Radio City Rockettes, and through Boston Calling Events, produces outdoor festivals, including New England’s preeminent Boston Calling Music Festival.   Also under the MSG umbrella is TAO Group, a world-class hospitality group with globally-recognized entertainment dining and nightlife brands: Tao, Marquee, Lavo, Avenue, The Stanton Social, Beauty & Essex and Vandal.  More information is available at www.themadisonsquaregardencompany.com

About United Service Organizations
The USO strengthens America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation. At hundreds of locations worldwide, we are united in our commitment to connect our service members and their families through countless acts of caring, comfort, and support. The USO is a private, non-profit organization, not a government agency. Our programs, services and entertainment tours are made possible by the American people, support of our corporate partners and the dedication of our volunteers and staff.

Press Contacts:

For MSG Entertainment:
Melissa Gunderson / 212-631-4361 / [email protected]
Grace Harris / 212-631-4329 / [email protected]

For USO:
Ashley McLellan / 703-908-6429 / [email protected]