The Americus Times-Recorder

AMERICUS — Andersonville National Historic Site, along with the Friends of Andersonville, Rolling Thunder, and Georgia Southwestern State University will host a variety of events during September to commemorate National POW/MIA Recognition Day. The historic site will host the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall from Sept. 17-25, and have extended park hours to 7 p.m. each night. In addition, three authors will hold book signings in the National Prisoner of War Museum.

On Friday, Sept. 17 and Saturday, Sept. 18, former Vietnam prisoner of war Col. Ben Purcell, USA (retired) will autograph his book “Love and Duty.” The book recounts his strenuous years of captivity, resistance and escape attempts and chronicles his willingness to endure and return home to his wife Anne. Purcell was captured in Vietnam in 1968, and held for five and a half years. He endured grueling interrogations, hunger and hours of torture but always kept the code of conduct. “Love and Duty” also tells the story of Anne Purcell and her struggle to raise five children alone, all the time demanding news of her husband’s condition from the U.S. government. In her story she tells how her family and her faith enabled her to endure some of the toughest times of her life. This is a powerful story of compassion, courage and strength.

On Thursday, Sept. 23, former World War II prisoner of war Dudley Riley will be at the National Prisoner of War Museum to discuss and sign his book “Farm Boy, Soldier, Daddy” from 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. The book paints a vivid picture of life in rural western Kentucky. Growing up the youngest of nine children, Riley was exposed to the benefit of hard working parents and a caring, loving extended family.  He learned from an early age a strong work ethic. Riley enlisted at the age of 18 when seeing an “Uncle Sam Wants You” sign. In February 1943, in North Africa, Riley and a buddy found themselves cut off from the regiment. When informed that rescue was not possible, the men destroyed all communication codes, radios and maps in their possession. They were captured by the Germans and eventually taken to the infamous Stalag IIIB. One of the most gripping aspects of the book is the time spent as a prisoner of war. The ingenuity of Americans under these extreme conditions is astounding. There is nothing more traumatic for a soldier than that loss of his freedom. The endurance and courage they exhibited against overwhelming odds gives a unique perspective into the POW character.

On Friday, Sept. 24 and Saturday, Sept. 25, author Bob Bovitch will be at the museum from 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m. with his books “Words From the Heart” and “Let Them Never Be Forgotten.” Bovitch joined the Naval Reserves before graduation in 1965, and chose to go on active duty serving a WEST PAC tour aboard the USS Bronstein DE 1037 off the coast of Vietnam. He spent one tour of duty in Vietnam from October 1966 to October 1967. Today he dedicates his life to honoring all Vietnam War veterans for their sacrifices for freedom. “Words From the Heart” is a collection of heart-filled poems dedicated to those who were prisoners of war and those still missing in action. This book is a tribute to those who fought and died for the values of this great nation and are remembered with honor in the hearts of their families and the eyes of all Americans. “Let Them Never Be Forgotten” is a commitment to those whose names now adorn a hard, cold, black wall; sons, brothers, husbands who are now gone but who live on in the hearts of loved ones.

For more information, call 924-0343 or visit on the Web site at www.nps.gov/ ande.