CAMPUS/AREA UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN Wednesday, July 7.1993 7 WWII commemoration planned Lawrence could be part of a national awareness program Kansan staff writer By Katie Greenwald Kansan staff writer Midway, Guadalcanal, Normandy Hiroshima. Margaret Middleton wants these places to sound familiar. Middleton, a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, is in the process of having Lawrence declared a World War II Commemorative Community during the 50th anniversary of the war. The purpose of the five-year national program is to honor World War II veterans and to develop programs and activities to heighten community and national awareness about the war. The United States participated in the war from 1941 to 1945. Establishing a commemorative committee is the first step in the program. The committee must design a plan to honor veterans and to educate the community about the war. Then it must apply to the Department of Defense 50th Anniversary of World War II Commemoration Committee in Crystal City, Va. Finally, the local committee must conduct at least three commemorative activities a year. There are about nine million living World War II veterans. Because of the veterans' advancing age, this anniversary may be the last major commemoration in which many veterans will be able to participate. Middleton said. Part of the commemorative program is aimed at the younger generation. Middleton said she thought students did not have many opportunities to study the war. "Nearly 60 percent of today's population was not alive during the war," she said. That is a good argument for educating people about that era, she said. Former President George Bush started the program in 1991David Katzman, professor of history and American studies, said the younger generation had a difficult time learning history. "People are losing knowledge," Katman said. "With all the information that's out there, we tend to be more present-minded." He said World War II had a lot of mixed messages of which people should be aware. "It was a war for freedom, but there was also intolerance and segregation in our country," he said. "The civil rights movement had its origins during World War II. That ought to be remembered." Middleton has worked in conjunction with the United Veteran's Organization of Douglas County to sponsor several programs and activities. The organization has conducted an Independence Day parade for the last two years. Last year, the parade was a part of the commemorative program. Thus year the parade was canceled because of rain. The organization also conducted a Veterans Day program last November. A World War II veteran, a Vietnam veteran and a member of the POW-MIA coalition were among those who spoke at the event. The program also included a salute to deceased veterans. In addition to the parade and other Fourth of July activities, the organization will sponsor a World War II display this month at the Lawrence Public Library. The city has agreed to plant a tree in recognition of the World War II veterans. Middleton said. She said she hoped to have it planted next spring. Middleton said she also hoped to have a presentation at Elizabeth M. Watkins Community Museum this winter and a display at the post office next summer. For one day in 1995, the last year of the commemoration, the post office will stamp letters with a commemorative seal, she said. AREA BRIEFS A man was convicted Thursday of two counts of first-degree murder in the March 13 shooting deaths of his ex-wife and her fiance. Ex-husband convicted of two murders The jury decided not to give Victor Smith, 35, a "Hard 40" prison sentence for the deaths of Linda Smith, 34, and John Pease, 47. The sentence, which requires a jury decision, would have given Smith 40 years in prison before being eligible for parole. Douglas County District Judge Mike Malone now is responsible for sentencing. The two convictions each require a life sentence, and Smith must serve a minimum of 15 years for each. David Berkowitz, Smith's attorney, said he intended to file motions for a new trial. Smith testified that he acted in self-defense and that he was impaired by alcohol and crack cocaine at the time of the shootings. A hearing is set for 11 a.m. July 22. If Malone denies the motions, Smith will be sentenced at that time TOPEKA — The Rev. Fred Phelps Sr. has won a significant legal victory in his battle with Shawnee County's chief prosecutor against his colorful public crusade against homosexuality. Phelps wins victory against prosecution U. S. District Judge Sam Crow of Topeka declared the state's criminal defamation law unconstitutional Friday. Crow said a prosecution under the law violated free speech rights guaranteed by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Shawnee County District Attorney Joan Hamilton has filed 11 criminal charges against Phelps, nine of them for criminal defamation. Phelps, a dis barred attorney and unsuccessful political candidate, is pastor of Topeka's Westboro Bantist Church. In his 47-page ruling, Crow also questioned Hamilton's motives in prosecuting Phelps. He said she appeared to have filed charges partly for political and personal reasons. "The First Amendment stands as a bastion to protect expression of both hate and love, tolerance and intolerance, and prejudice and compassion," Crow wrote. Briefs compiled by The Associated Press and Kansas state reports VISIONS Featuring i.a. Eyeworks! 806 Massachusetts 841-7421 Your payments for - GAS SERVICE KANSAS PUBLIC SERVICE can be made at the drop box in the Kansas Union, Information Counter, Level 4 Save time, save a stamp Drop it at the Kansas Union 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. OPEN SATURDAY COMFORTABLE & AFFORDABLE July 10 & 17 at 10 am-4 pm STUDENTS, STAFF, FACULTY, & FUTURE LAWRENCE RESIDENTS We offer many great locations and floor plans...custom studios, 1,2,3, and 4 bedroom apartments. 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RAMBLERS Only for Summer FRIDAY 9 NIC COSMOS White Trash MONDAY 12 OPEN MIC SUMMER LUNCH DEALS 11:00-2:00 ONLY Discover Our Difference One Sub Per Person for These Special Offers Holiday Plaza • 25th & Iowa Monday Double Coupon Day Bring in coupon for 50s or 75c off between 11:00-2:00 and we'll Double Deal! No Coupons Needed, None Accepted (Except on Double Coupon Day) 841-6886 Tuesday Tuesday Turkey Tuesday Choose any 6 "turkey sunday" The Turkey Green Tur- ture Green Tur- Creamy Club plus 16s drink only $2.99 WEDNESDAY 7 Crap Supper Mousetrap Goodlow THURSDAY 8 BLUE DIXIE CALLINS ARE LAST: Wednesday Any Sub or Salad from our new summer Chillout Menu plus 12oz, drink only $7.99 Thursday Buddy Day Bring your bud, pay regular price for one bond of equal value or equal value or less for only 99¢ Dine in only! Friday Order any n* sub and get extra meat, veggies, or cheese for FREE! 841-2782 841-2782 23RD STREET AND IOWA The University of Kansas Theatre Presents Kansas Summer Theatre '93 by William Shakespeare 8:00 p.m. July 9,10,11,16,17 & 18.1993 Crafton-Preyer Theatre Stage General admission tickets on sale in the Murphy Hall Box Office; for reservations or to charge tickets by phone, using VISA or MasterCard, call 913/864-3982.