11/10/2004

Contact: Bill Lacy, Dole Institute, (785) 864-4900

Dole Institute renews calls for photos of World War II veterans from Kansas

LAWRENCE -- The Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics at the University of Kansas is seeking additional photos of Kansas World War II veterans to include in a permanent computer kiosk that complements the institute's 35-foot Memory Wall. All photos are now available for public viewing.

The Memory Wall and computer kiosk stand near the soaring stained glass American flag and two 10-foot beams from the World Trade Center that anchor the south end of the institute. The Memory Wall consists of more than 900 photos of Kansas veterans, most in uniform, printed on cloth panels. The eight permanent panels of photos overlook the Kansas map on the Darby Gallery lobby floor.

“ It is very satisfying to see how many people make a point to look for loved ones' photos," said Dole Institute Director Bill Lacy. “There have been many touching scenes when families of these men and women recall memories or share them with children who never had an opportunity to meet them.

“ From the beginning, Sen. Dole has wanted the institute which bears his name and houses his papers to commemorate many other lives of service as well as to inspire new generations to serve in whatever way they can.”

After its initial call for photos in April 2002, the institute received more than 1,700 pictures of Kansas veterans. The overwhelming response required moving the wall to a space that was twice as large as the original. The 893 photos that did not fit on the Memory Wall were used in a video that was run during the Institute's 2002 dedication week. Now all photos will be included in the computer kiosk.

Send pictures of veterans and related information (hometown, service branch and whether the veteran attended KU) to 2350 Petefish Drive, Lawrence, KS 66045. Pictures may be black and white or color and of any size; do not send frames.

Scanned photos may be sent via e-mail, preferably in jpeg format and as attachments, to http://www.doleinstitute@ku.edu. Please specify whether the photo is to be returned.

The Dole Institute, established at KU in 1997 to honor the former Senate majority leader and 1996 Republican presidential nominee, is designed to encourage student participation and citizen involvement in public service. The institute houses Dole's papers, the world's largest collection associated with a congressional leader.