PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Get ready, get set, party!

“We are strongly encouraging folks to dress in their ’40s-style attire,” says Margaret Cronan, chief communications officer at the National Constitution Center.  “Wedge-heeled stompers and stockings for the women, and wingtips and fedoras for the men.”

Cronan is talking about the “Stars & Stripes Canteen” party taking place on Thursday, October 13th, at the Constitution Center.

But, she says, if you don’t have a World War II-era outfit, no worries!

“We are providing some ’40s-style costumes and accessories, and having photographs taken. But of course we’re happy to have you in business attire as well,” she told KYW Newsradio.

This 1940s USO canteen party is the opening event to a new exhibition, “Fighting for Democracy: Who is the ‘We’ in ‘We the People?’ “

(Domingo Los Baños, during World War II. Photo from National Constitution Center)

“The exhibit tells the story of a diverse group of seven citizens, and they are folks who either fought or took part in World War II.   While they were fighting for freedom and the American way, they were also fighting discrimination.”

One of the people in the exhibition is coming to the party.

“His name is Domingo Los Baños, he’s 86 years old, and we’re bringing him in from Hawaii.”

And the USO Liberty Bells will be there to provide entertainment.

“We’re also going to have swing dance lessons, so we’re really encouraging folks to not just hang out and have a few cocktails, but actually dance and really enjoy themselves.”

And that’s Positively Philadelphia!

Reported by Lauren Lipton, KYW Newsradio 1060

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