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Greatest Generation to gather July 20-22 in Lawrence for Dole
dedication
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Sen. Bob Dole Courtesy Dole
Institute of Politics
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Billed as the "Greatest Generation's Greatest Celebration,"
the Dole Institute of Politics' dedication this summer at
KU promises to be an extraordinary event that will serve as
a tribute to World War II veterans as well as to one of their
greatest heroes and advocates, former Sen. Bob Dole, '45.
The events, scheduled to coincide with Dole's 80th birthday
on July 22, will be more than a birthday party for the state's
senior statesman, said institute director Richard Norton Smith.
"The institute will not be a shrine to Bob Dole. That
is not what he wants," Smith said. "Its mission
is the encouragement of public service and civilized debate.
At the senator's urging, our dedication will be a salute to
the service and sacrifice of the Greatest Generation. It will
be the ultimate World War II reunion."
The three-day dedication program July 20-22 will include
a World War II air show, military vehicle display and fashion
show; a re-created USO-style performance; an evening of dancing
to the Glenn Miller Orchestra; and an outdoor band concert
as well as the formal dedication.
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Courtesy ASAI Architecture Leawood
KS
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With limestone walls, soaring stained-glass windows and a
large reflecting pool reminiscent of Washington's Tidal Basin,
the institute building already is a KU landmark. Once complete,
the $11 million, 28,000-square-foot facility will house state-of-the-art
exhibits and the world's largest Congressional archive as
well as meeting spaces and KU's first satellite uplink.
A 14-foot replica of the Kansas state seal will be one of
several distinctive architectural features. Others include
a 29-foot stained-glass American flag, a 19-foot stone map
of Kansas, a World Trade Center memorial and a 12-foot replica
of the Capitol dome in Washington, D.C., accompanied by a
multi-screen video "tour" of the legislative process,
narrated by Dole.
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An artist's rendering of the Dole Institute
building depicts a 29-foot stained glass American flag
and, upper left, a World Trade Center memorial. Courtesy
Split Rock Studios, St. Paul, MN
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Here is a schedule of events for July 20-22:
Ongoing activities at and around the Dole Institute
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World War II veterans reunion
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Memory tent: Reunion headquarters - large tented area
near the institute, headquarters for reunion activities
and public-veteran interaction
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World War II historical vehicle display
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Living history: World War II military encampment - experience
the life of a G.I. as re-enacted by members of the 10th
Mountain Division, Sen. Dole's World War II unit
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Continuous tours of the new Dole Institute building,
with its extensive exhibits, 29-foot stained-glass American
flag and World Trade Center memorial
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Vintage aircraft display (at Lawrence Municipal Airport)
Sunday, July 20
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Morning church services: recognizing the service and
sacrifice of those who fought overseas and those on the
home front who contributed to victory
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2 p.m. KU Goes to War - faculty and other members of
the KU family share their personal recollections (at the
Lied Center of Kansas)
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7 p.m. An Evening of Dancing with the Glenn Miller
Orchestra (at the Holiday Inn Holidome). See ticket
information below.
Monday, July 21
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10 a.m. World War II air show in the skies above the
Dole Institute
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2 p.m. 1940s fashion show (at Murphy Hall)
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8 p.m. Salute to the Heroes: An Evening to Remember-re-created
USO-style show and star-studded salute to Sen. Dole and
all the men and women on the battle front and on the home
front who rescued civilization in its darkest hour. At
the Lied Center of Kansas; see ticket information below.
Tuesday, July 22
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10 a.m. Outdoor military band concert with the 312th
Army Band-music to wave the flag by, staged on the banks
of the Dole Institute's reflecting pool
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11 a.m. Formal dedication ceremony for the Robert
J. Dole Institute of Politics. More details will be announced
later this spring.
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Click here to read about the "Russell
window". Courtesy Split Rock Studios, St.
Paul, MN
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Admission to most of the programs and activities surrounding
the Dole Institute's dedication, including the dedication
ceremony itself, is free. There are two premier ticketed events:
Sunday night: Glenn Miller Orchestra - tickets for
this event are $40 a piece. For tickets, call (785) 864-ARTS
(2787) starting April 1.
Monday night: Salute to the Heroes: An Evening to Remember
- tickets for this event are $35 a piece. For tickets, call
(785) 864-ARTS (2787) starting April 1.
For information about travel and accommodations, please call
the Lawrence Convention and Visitors Bureau toll free at (888)
LAW-KANS (529-5267) or write to:
Lawrence Convention and Visitors Bureau
734 Vermont, Suite 101
Lawrence, KS 66044-0586
www.visitlawrence.com
For more information about the Dole Institute, visit the
Dole Institute's Web site at www.doleinstitute.org.
Announcing The Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics
Brick-by-Brick Campaign
Purchase a personalized brick at $250. Bricks will be
placed in walkway leading to the institute..
In recent years no one has done more than Bob Dole to memorialize
the World War II generation. Now it's our turn to recognize
him and all those who preserved civilization in its darkest
hour. On July 22, Senator Dole's 80th birthday, we will dedicate
the permanent home of the Dole Institute of Politics here
at KU and, at the same time, say thanks to every American
who has ever worn our country's uniform.
Buy a Personalized Brick to:
~ Say thanks to Senator Dole,
~ Honor a member of the Greatest Generation,
~ Become part of KU's newest landmark!
Inscription limited to 14 characters per line, including
spaces and punctuation.
For more information, call (785) 749-3911
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