Dole Institute to display photos of 950 World War II veterans from Kansas

LAWRENCE -- The Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics will display photos of more than 950 Kansas World War II veterans in a permanent "Memory Wall" in its new building at the University of Kansas.

The Memory Wall consists of 8-by-10 photos of veterans, most in uniform, printed on cloth panels. Eight panels of photos will be on display permanently, overlooking the Kansas map on the lobby floor. The wall will stand beside a soaring stained-glass American flag and two 10-foot beams from the World Trade Center that will anchor the south end of the institute.

After its initial call for photos in April, the institute received more than 1,700 photos of Kansas veterans by the May 15 deadline. The overwhelming response required moving the wall from its original location to a new space that is twice as large so as many photos as possible could be displayed. The 893 photos that did not fit on the Memory Wall will be used as part of a video slide show that will run on the 30-foot jumbo screen outside the institute during its dedication festivities, July 20 through 22.

All photos received with return information will be returned to their owners, and those whose photos will be used as part of the display will be notified by letter.

The three-day dedication program will include a military vehicle display and fashion show; a re-created USO-style performance; an evening of dancing to the Glenn Miller Orchestra; and a "Memory Tent" featuring dozens of Medal of Honor recipients, Tuskegee Airmen, Navajo Codetalkers, Holocaust survivors and others; and an outdoor concert by the 312th Army Band as well as the formal dedication. Among the dignitaries attending the events are former Presidents Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and NBC News anchor Tom Brokaw, author of "The Greatest Generation." For more information call: (785) 749-3958 or visit http://www.doleinstitute.org/dedication.