Luxradiotheatre1943 02 22 384thisisthearmy

# This Is the Army – February 22, 1943

As Cecil B. DeMille's cultured voice welcomes you into the Lux Radio Theatre on this winter evening in 1943, you're about to step into the glittering world of Hollywood's most patriotic musical spectacle. *This Is the Army* brings the stage sensation directly into your living room—a dazzling revue that transforms Irving Berlin's timeless score into an intimate radio drama. You'll hear the infectious energy of soldiers-turned-performers, the sweeping orchestration of a full ensemble, and the unmistakable voice of a nation rallying behind its fighting men. The drama unfolds not through conflict or melodrama, but through the infectious optimism and camaraderie of servicemen determined to boost morale both on stage and back home. When "This Is the Army, Mr. Jones" strikes up, you'll understand why millions have embraced this show as a symbol of American resolve.

What makes this February broadcast particularly significant is its timing—America is deep in the Second World War, and *This Is the Army*, which premiered on Broadway in 1942, has become far more than entertainment. It's a cultural touchstone, with every penny of proceeds going directly to the Army Emergency Relief Fund. This radio adaptation captures the show's authentic spirit, featuring performances by actual soldiers from Special Services, blending professional Broadway talent with genuine military personnel. Lux Radio Theatre's decision to broadcast this production demonstrates the medium's power as a unifying force during wartime, reaching millions of listeners simultaneously with a message of hope and purpose.

Tune in to experience one of radio's most stirring moments—a night when entertainment and patriotism became inseparable, and the airwaves carried not just music and laughter, but the heartbeat of a nation at war. Don't miss this remarkable piece of American radio history.