KU News Release

LAWRENCE — To honor the courageous service of Kansas men and women, the Dole Institute and University of Kansas ROTC will host a special salute to veterans, followed by music and dancing in “A Tribute to Veterans: USO Style” on Sunday, Nov. 15.

Veterans and their families and friends are invited. The recognition program begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by music and dancing to the sounds of the Moonlight Serenade Orchestra until 9 p.m. at the Dole Institute.

“There is no greater sacrifice than serving one’s country,” said Barbara Ballard, associate director of civic engagement at the Dole Institute of Politics. “Honoring those who have fought for the safety of our nation is one of our greatest joys at the Dole Institute. We’re very excited to present this tribute to veterans and to give them an evening of fun and friends.”

Reservations are required. Interested parties must confirm their place by calling (785) 864-4900 or e-mailing doleinstitute@ku.edu by Monday, Nov. 9.

“ ‘A Tribute to Veterans: USO Style’ is inspired by the United Service Organization clubs that many service men and women frequented, especially during World War II. These clubs were friendly and comfortable, a home away from home at times. We hope this event will inspire that same feeling,” said Ballard.

In addition to “A Tribute to Veterans: USO Style,” the Dole Institute honors Kansas World War II veterans year-round through its Memory Project. The Memory Project invites submission of photographs of Kansas World War II veterans for inclusion in a digital kiosk that allows visitors to the Dole Institute to call up the photographs of more than 3,000 service men and women.

The digital kiosk was added in November 2003 to augment the Memory Wall, which hangs above the Dole Institute entrance and displays the photos of more than 900 Kansas veterans.

Photographs may be submitted via e- mail to doleinstitute@ku.edu or sent to:

Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics
University of Kansas
c/o Memory Wall
2350 Petefish Drive
Lawrence, KS 66045