Former Sen. Bob Dole made a final visit to the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. on Friday, Dec. 10, when the motorcade bearing his body arrived there for a tribute in his honor.
“His life was a flesh and blood monument to the values we revere here,” said TODAY show anchor Savannah Guthrie during the tribute.
The Republican from Kansas was 98 when he died on Dec. 5 after a battle with lung cancer. His remembrance events began Thursday with the dignified transfer of his casket into the U.S. Capitol, where it was received by the nation’s leaders. Dole lied in state at the Capitol overnight.
Dole enlisted in the U.S. Army as a college student and was appointed a second lieutenant in 1944, serving as a platoon leader in the legendary Tenth Mountain Division in Italy. In 1945, he was gravely wounded on the battlefield and was decorated for heroic achievement, receiving two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star with one oak leaf cluster.
Following his military service, Dole went on to serve as a county prosecutor, a Kansas state legislator, a U.S. Representative, a Senator, and the Republican presidential candidate in 1996, running unsuccessfully against President Bill Clinton.
In 1997, Dole was named the National Chairman of the World War II Memorial Campaign, which raised millions for the building of the National World War II Memorial primarily through private contributions.
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Following the dedication of the memorial in 2004, Dole could be found at the southern entrance of the site on most Saturday mornings, greeting his fellow World War II veterans and welcoming them to their memorial.
“The memory and conscience of the man will be here, right here, as long as there is an America, and that is a good thing,” said actor Tom Hanks.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army Gen. Mark Milley called the day a solemn one for the nation as it both mourns and celebrates Dole life.
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“Senator Dole’s commitment to this democracy is unwavering,” he said. “He had a life of service defending this democracy.”
A private memorial service was held for Dole at Washington National Cathedral on Friday morning.
“Above all, he served his country,” Milley said of Dole.
Following the tribute service, Dole’s wife, Elizabeth, laid a wreath at the memorial.
In addition to his wife, Dole is survived by his daughter, Robin.
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.
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