 |
News Releases |
Local Family Makes Million Dollar Donation
 Columbus,
Georgia – October 29, 2004: Descendants of a World War II
Infantry general officer have made a $1 million dollar donation
in his name to the new National Infantry Museum and Heritage Park.
Mr. Ben Hardaway III, Mrs. Sarah Hughston and Mr.
and Mrs. John Flournoy presented a check to the National Infantry
Foundation during a ceremony and news conference at the current
National Infantry Museum on Fort Benning.
The donation is in honor of LTG Manton S. Eddy,
who led the U.S. 9th Infantry Division through North Africa, Sicily
and France during World War II. Later, he commanded the XII Corps
as it plowed into the heart of Germany. LTG Eddy devoted his life
to the U.S. Army, and his dedicated service was an example for generations
of officers.
Columbus, Georgia, became Manton Eddy's home. He
married a local woman and their daughter was one of the first children
born at Fort Benning's new hospital. The Eddys returned to Columbus
after the general retired in 1953. Eddy Middle School and Eddy Bridge
are named in his honor.
The gallery which will tell the stories of World
War II's European Theater will carry LTG Eddy's name. Family members
say they made the gift not only to honor LTG Eddy, but because they
believe the new museum will be a national treasure.
"My uncle made the Army his life, but he made
Columbus his home," Mr. Hardaway said. "He would be proud
to see this museum making its home here. I can't think of a more
deserving person or a general more respectful of his soldiers than
General Eddy. I'm proud to be able to say 'thank you' for all he
did."
John Flournoy, Mr. Hardaway's son-in-law, added,
"I want this community to know what a magnificent opportunity
we have here, to be home to the National Infantry Museum. This museum
will be a critical tool in teaching young people...both soldiers
and civilians...about values. People from all over will come to
Columbus, Georgia, to take advantage of it. That's why I think it's
so important that the citizens of this community support it."
Foundation Executive Director Ben Williams said
the gift will make a critical difference in the success of the project.
"Columbus has always been very generous to good causes,"
Mr. Williams said. "We know this is just the start of a great
fund raising effort in our own community."
The National Infantry Museum and Heritage Park
will be built on 200 acres connecting Columbus, Georgia, and Fort
Benning, the Home of the Infantry. It will include a 150,000 square
foot museum, a memorial walk of honor and a parade field where 30,000
soldiers will graduate from Infantry training each year.
The Foundation is continuing to raise funds, both
locally and nationally, toward its goal of $70 million.
Other
news releases.
|
