American Legion offers Big Band dance, food for veterans during Dole dedication

LAWRENCE -- For those who didn't get tickets to the Glenn Miller Orchestra performance, which will take place during the July dedication of the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics at the University of Kansas, the American Legion will provide a swinging alternative.

The Jazzhaus Big Band, formed by Lawrence musicians more than 20 years ago, will perform swing band standards beginning at 7 p.m. Sunday, July 20, at American Legion Post 14, 3408 W. Sixth St. The dance will provide an alternative to the sold-out Glenn Miller Orchestra show that is part of the Dole Institute dedication celebration, July 19 through 22.

The dedication, which is being billed as the "Greatest Generation's Greatest Celebration," will pay tribute to the men and women who served alongside former Sen. Bob Dole during World War II.

Donald Dalquest, former commander of the legion post, said that when Dole dedication organizers asked him and his fellow veterans to provide additional entertainment, they jumped at the chance.

"The Glenn Miller show sold out in nothing flat," Dalquest said. "We are helping them put this thing on, and we told them we'd help out any way we could."

Dalquest said the post had space for about 300 people. Tickets to the dance are $15. Refreshments will be available.

Clyde Bysom, co-leader of the Jazzhaus Big Band and WWII vet, said his 18-member band planned to play WWII-era standards including "In the Mood," "String of Pearls," "Tuxedo Junction," "Pennsylvania 6-5000" and "Getting Sentimental Over You."

Bysom said he and his bandmates were excited to have the chance to play for members of the "Greatest Generation."

"I happen to be one of that generation, and quite a few players in the band are as well," Bysom said. "I grew up on this music. We thoroughly look forward to playing. It should be really nice."

For more information about the dance, call American Legion Post 14 at (785) 842-3415.

In addition to the swing-band dance, the post also is providing American flags to line the streets and parking lots near the Dole Institute during the dedication.

The "Avenue of Flags" will include hundreds of flags donated to the American Legion by families of deceased veterans.

Dalquest said he and his American Legion colleagues were pleased to participate in the dedication.

"We think it's great what they're doing for the WWII vets," he said. "We feel it's a big honor for our post to be able to help them out."

The three-day dedication program will include a military air parade and fashion show; a re-created USO-style performance; an evening of dancing to the Glenn Miller Orchestra; and an outdoor concert by the 312th Army Band as well as the formal dedication. Among the dignitaries attending the events are former Presidents Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and NBC News anchor Tom Brokaw, author of "The Greatest Generation." The events will start at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 19, with the kickoff of the Memory Tent, which will begin with "Heroes of Lawrence, Part 1."