📷: Dole Institute of Politics
Kansas Republican Bob Dole, who served in the U.S. Senate from 1969 to 1996, died Sunday morning at 98 years old. A veteran of the Second World War, Dole was the last member of the “Greatest Generation” to run for President of the United States. As the 1996 GOP nominee, Dole offered himself to voters as “the bridge to a time of tranquility, faith, and confidence in action.”
Let me be the bridge to an America that only the unknowing call myth. Let me be the bridge to a time of tranquility, faith, and confidence in action.
And to those who say it was never so, that America’s not been better, I say you’re wrong. And I know because I was there. And I have seen it. And I remember.
Bob Dole, 1996
Following his departure from elected office, Dole remained active in civic life. He served as chairman of the World War II Memorial Campaign, which raised funds to construct the National World War II Memorial. In his wheelchair, Dole would often greet fellow veterans from across the nation who visited the memorial in DC.
Governor-Elect Glenn Youngkin hailed Dole’s legacy in a tweet on Sunday. “Bob Dole loved our Nation and committed his life to public service,” Youngkin wrote. “Suzanne and I offer Elizabeth and Robin our prayers and support in this time of grieving. God bless Bob Dole.”
Fairfax GOP Chairman Steve Knotts echoed Youngkin’s sentiments. “Bob Dole embodied the ideals of the Greatest Generation,” Knotts said. “His life of service to our nation will be remembered.”