FROM: THE OFFICE OF U.S. SENATOR BOB DOLE 
NEW SENATE OFFICE BUILDING 
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20510 
(202) 225-6521

FOR RELEASE SUNDAY AM'S, APRIL 19

WASHINGTON, D.C. April 19 -- Nearly 500 wives, mothers and children of men missing in action and prisoners of war in Southeast Asia have indicated they will attend a special May 1 tribute designated as an "Appeal for International Justice."

The tribute, initiated by U.S. Senator Bob Dole (R-Kans.) will be at 8 pm in Constitution Hall here.

Dallas industrialist H. Ross Perot, honorary chairman of the event, will be one of the speakers.

"The response has been tremendous," Dole said. "Wives will be coming from every section of the nation including Alaska, California, Kansas, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Virginia and Pennsylvania. One wife is planning to bring all seven of her children.

"Residents of the Washington area have been particularly responsive and have offered housing for those attending."

Dole decided to sponsor the tribute while participating in a rally on February 21. That rally, also at Constitution Hall, was in support of American prisoners of war and in protest of their treatment by North Vietnamese and Vietcong. About 300 persons attended. The hall seats 3811.

"I decided then," Dole said, "that Constitution Hall could be filled within 90 days in a resounding demonstration of support for these men."

Planning is being coordinated with Mrs. James B. Stockdale of Coronado, Calif., National Coordinator of the National League of Families of American Prisoners in Southeast Asia, and Mrs. James A. Mulligan of Virginia Beach, Va., area coordinator of that organization. Two Washington area wives, Mrs. James E. Plowman and Mrs. Candy Parish are helping with local arrangements.

The tribute is open to the public at no charge. Tickets may be obtained from the Dole office.