ANDERSONVILLE — A major gift will put Andersonville National Historic Site’s Prisoner of War traveling exhibition on the road.

On Thursday, F. Paul Dallas, former POW during World War II, on behalf of the Military Ex-Prisoners of War Foundation, gave a check for $25,000 to the  Friends of Andersonville. Dallas made the donation in memory of J. Lawrence King, also a former POW. Jenni King, his widow and Doris Dallas, were also in attendance as were Lawrence’s daughter, son-in-law and grandson. Howard John Hill, a former POW from the Vietnam era, and his wife Libby were also in attendance.

The check was accepted by Jim Covington, president of the Friends of Andersonvile.

Brad Bennett, superintendent of Andersonville NHS, said at the presentation, “The purpose of Andersonville National Historic Site is be a memorial for all American prisoners of war ... Some 150,000 visitors have the privilege of traveling to the historic site to see the (National POW) museum and learning about the sacrifices of our POWs. We also know there are millions of Americans who’ve never been to Andersonville and never will have the opportunity to do that.”

And that is the point of the new project.

Bennett continued, explaining the purpose of the project is “to take the stories of the POWs from the National Prisoner of War Museum and take them across the country to other museums, other cities, other states, to allow more Americans to understand and appreciate the sacrifices you’ve made. It’s through the Friends of Andersonville and the American Ex-Prisoners of War that we built the museum, and it’s through those two same partners that we’re doing this project.”

Jim Covington, president of the Friends of Andersonville, then gave his comments.

“I’m very proud to be here among you and I’m very proud and very humbled to work with Andersonville and our national park. We’re so lucky here in this community. We have the trifecta of a national historic site by having the history of the Civil War, the National Prisoner of War Museum, and the National Cemetery, only one of two active in the entire country that’s run by the National Park Service. There’s a lot of history here and a lot of legacy. There’s not a better place for there to be a National Prisoner of War Museum than Andersonville. But not everyone can come to Sumter County and that’s why it’s so important that we take the traveling legacy and take it throughout the country so the rest of the country can understand the POW experience. I can’t think of a better name than ‘Victory from Within.’ America needs to know the great sacrifice that has been made by so few to secure the freedom of so many. We can’t say thank you enough. You individuals have served in the past, 60-65 years ago, and you’re still serving today. Your contributions, both with your time, your talents and donations, are so important. We want this legacy to continue and to carry on with people like you and we’re going to do it with class and respect.”

Bennett cited former Superintendent Fred Boyles and former chief of interpretation Fred Sanchez as planning the project concept. It is expected they will have a contract to start building the project by April 1 with a scheduled completion date this year. It will start touring the country in 2012.

“This donation you’re making today is closing the gap on the funds we need to turn these dreams into a reality,” he said.

Dallas, in making the presentation, said it was  a “pleasure and an honor” to be here to make the donation. He said not only is the donation in memory of his friend, King, but to honor all former POWs.

Covington responded, “On behalf of the Friends of Andersonville and a grateful nation, thank you so much.”

Beth Alston The Americus Times-Recorder