Tales of World War II will come to life during the Dole Institute of Politics dedication.

About 50 people — from prisoners of war to Medal of Honor recipients — will tell about their experiences throughout the three days at the Memory Tent.

The 100-by-120-foot, air-conditioned structure on west campus was designed to pay tribute to those who fought during World War II — and to keep their stories alive.

“Senator Dole didn’t want this to be about him,” said Bill Howell, assistant dedication coordinator. “He wanted to take the opportunity to thank these people.”

Speakers, usually in panels of three or four, will be grouped by topic. Programs include:

• “Doolittle’s Raiders,” who made a key bombing run over Tokyo in 1942.
• “Tuskegee Airmen,” a prestigious group of black airmen.
• “Normandy,” of participants in the D-Day invasion.

Bob Dole entered active duty with the U.S. Army in June 1943. He was discharged in July 1948.

• “Pearl Harbor Survivors.”
• “Holocaust Survivors.”
• “Women of World War II.”
• “Heroes of Lawrence.”

The Memory Tent will be in operation from 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday. Former U.S. Sen. George McGovern, who was a bomber pilot during the war, will speak from 8 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. Tuesday at the Bales Organ Recital Hall at the Lied Center.

Bill Howell, assistant dedication coordinator, said the stories would be videotaped and housed at the Dole Institute for use by others.

“We want to preserve these memories for future generations so they will be aware of what these people did for them,” he said. “We can never forget that sacrifice — of not only those who survived but also those who didn’t survive.”