USO-Themed Dance Will Celebrate 80TH Anniversary of the Flagler Center

During WWII, millions of American men and women answered the call to duty, selflessly putting their lives on the line to keep America safe and free. To keep their minds off the news from overseas, lift morale and encourage support on the home front, United Service Organizations (or USOs) popped up across the country, including one at the Flagler Center in Historic Downtown Stuart. 

On Friday, May 19, 2023 from 5:30-10 p.m., Stuart Main Street will celebrate the 80^th Anniversary of the Flagler Center and the patriotic tradition of the USO with a Stars & Stripes-themed dance and silent auction. The evening will offer a 16-piece big band, swing dancing, 40’s-themed libations and hospitality, displays of WWII memorabilia, militaria, vehicles, and re-enactors portraying service men and women of the period.

The festive soiree will not only honor the rich history of the Flagler Center, but also Martin County’s important role on our nation’s history and its residents who served in WWII.
“The grace and origin of this beautiful building has been an inspiration to me and the Stuart Main Street Board of Directors, and we wanted to share that with the community in a way that was fun and fitting to its history, during Historic Preservation Month” says Candace Callahan, Executive Director, Stuart Main Street.

“Not just a military function or the traditional fundraiser, we want to celebrate that unforgettable era of our shared history. This dance is to honor that time when our community and country worked together for a common goal, for the greater good,” says Joe Flanagan, President, Stuart Main Street. “We hope to bring back that wonderful sense of camaraderie and support on May 19, this time for Stuart Main Street and to recognize Historic Preservation Month.”

Guests are encouraged to get into the spirit of the evening by dressing in 40’s era fashion, whether they raid the attic for grandmother’s favorite swing dress or grandfather’s WWII uniform, or find the perfect pair of dance shoes in downtown Stuart.

Tickets are $150 each and include live entertainment by The Dreamers and the 16^th Armored Division Reenactment group, delicious hors d’oeuvres, signature cocktail, silent auction and once-in-a-era photo opportunities. Sponsorship and underwriting opportunities are available.

Silent auction will be live and online one week prior to the event, and is open to everyone, no ticket required to bid on any auction item.)

To purchase tickets, sponsor or participate in the auction, visit www.stuartmainstreet.org/uso or call 772-286-2848.