Alexandria Salutes! A USO Weekend

This weekend, Alexandria pays tribute to "the Greatest Generation" with a festival celebrating the USO that will feature nostalgic entertainment from the World War II era, swing dancing and a memorial service honoring America's veterans.

"Alexandria Salutes! A USO Weekend" will feature such talent as the Tom Cunningham Orchestra, the USO Liberty Belles, the Ultimate Abbott and Costello Tribute Show, the U.S. Army Chorale, swing dancers Tom & Debra and the Victordance swing-dance team of Ann and Victor Golkow. The weekend is a collaborative effort of the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association and the USO of Metropolitan Washington. Many events are free to the public.

A swing dance at the Torpedo Factory Art Center on Friday will serve as a fundraiser for the USO of Metropolitan Washington. Tickets include a free dessert buffet, and a cash bar will be available. In addition to dance music by the Tom Cunningham Orchestra, the evening will include a performance by the USO Liberty Belles and a swing-dance demonstration by Tom & Debra. There is a $20 tax-deductible minimum donation per person, with all proceeds going to the USO. Tickets may be purchased through the Ramsay House Visitors Center, 221 King St. in Old Town. Tickets also may be purchased online through www.funside.com or www.usometrodc.org.

Saturday will feature free entertainment emceed by the Ultimate Abbott and Costello from noon until 5 p.m. at Alexandria's historic Market Square, 300 King St. The schedule (subject to change) is as follows:

Saturday

Noon: Opening ceremonies

12:30 p.m.: "Letters From the Front: WWII" (excerpts from the full production playing at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial)

12:45 p.m.: USO Liberty Belles

1:30 p.m.: The Ultimate Abbott and Costello Tribute Show

1:45 p.m.: Victordance Swing Dance Demonstration

2:15 p.m.: Heritage Harmony Singers

2:45 p.m.: The Ultimate Abbott and Costello Tribute Show

3 p.m.: USO Liberty Belles

3:30 p.m.: The Ultimate Abbott and Costello Tribute Show

4 p.m.: U.S. Army Chorale -- USO Show