Entering the Community Arts Center — a.k.a. the Hannah Block Historic USO —
the first impression is of history respected and cared for. Not the ancient history of kings
and empires, dates and events, but rather a picture of the history that someone you know
— or once knew — actually lived through.
Depending on your age, your parents or your grandparents — or even your great
grandparents, if they’re still alive — could tell stories of war abroad and upheaval of
life at home. Stories of daily sacrifices incomprehensible to a modern society with its
myriad ready conveniences.
All that united sacrifice was for a national common goal: to kick the flying daylights
out of enemies who had sneak-attacked us and killed or wounded over 3,500 of our
sailors, soldiers and civilians without warning on a quiet Sunday morning in Hawaii as
people were waking up and getting ready to attend church or go to the beach.
Above, from top: Today, the Hannah Block Historic USO building’s lobby is home to World War II
memorabilia. A USO dance in 1940. Above: An original musical, Mrs. World War II Wilmington,
marked the USO’s 75th anniversary in November 2016.
WIKIMEDIA ALLISON POTTER
HANNAH BLOCK HISTORIC USO/COMMUNITY ARTS CENTER
www.wrightsvillebeachmagazine.com 37
WBM