Nov. 6, 2003

Contact: Erik Nelson, Dole Institute of Politics, (785) 864-4900.

Dole Institute to host 13th annual Marine Corps Birthday/Veterans Day celebration Nov. 7

LAWRENCE -- The Dole Institute of Politics at the University of Kansas will host Lawrence's 13th annual Marine Corps Birthday/Veterans Day Celebration at 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Friday. The public is invited and admission is free.

Col. E.G. Payne Jr., commander of the Marine Corps Reserve Support Command in Kansas City, Mo., Lawrence Mayor David Dunfield and Erv Hodges, coordinator of the Douglas County Memorial Project, will speak.

The first 200 guests receive a commemorative stained-glass flag key chain and collectible 228th Marine Corps Birthday coaster. The event also will include a giant Marines birthday cake, courtesy of Dillons; bagels courtesy of Einstein Bagels and Hors d'oeuvres courtesy of Mr. Goodcents.

There will be a raffle drawing for an autographed, framed print by artist Charles Waterhouse, a gold watch, and an autographed edition of "Chesty" signed by author Colonel Jon Hoffman, among other items.

The event is cosponsored by the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics, located on KU's West Campus and adjacent to the Lied Center. The Dole Institute, which opened in July and since has attracted more than 40,000 visitors, is open 9 a.m to 5 p.m. daily. For more information, call (785) 864-4900 or visit www.doleinstitute.org.