KU vice chancellor talks to Girls Nation delegates

Janet Murguia, executive vice chancellor for university relations at Kansas University, was the keynote speaker Thursday during an event at the 57th annual American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation in Washington, D.C.

Murguia, a 1977 alumna of Girls Nation, spoke at the flag retreat and banquet. The event was part of a week of activities for 96 high school students from 48 states. Kansas representatives are Stacy Edwards, Olathe, and Genny Gold, Kansas City, Kan.

Other speakers during the week include Steve Robertson, legislative director for the American Legion; Henry Shea, national winner of the American Legion oratorical contest; and U.S. Rep. Heather Wilson, R-N.M.

Picnic to honor soldier who served in Iraq

A Saturday picnic will honor a Lawrence woman’s son who served in the war in Iraq.

Lovetta Cross invites friends, family and others to the event for her son, Peter Cross. The picnic will be from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday at Holcom Park.

Peter Cross returned July 15 to the United States from Iraq. He had been stationed in Iraq since before the war began in March. He will officially be discharged from the Marine Corps Aug. 5.

Lovetta Cross is part of Lawrence’s military family support group. She said of the group’s seven to eight members, three still had children in Iraq. She is one of them. Peter Cross’ twin brother, Paul, will not be discharged from the Marines until December. Lovetta Cross said he could return to the United States as soon as September.