Dec 08, 2021

Dole memorial services include events in DC, Russell and Topeka

Posted Dec 08, 2021 11:00 AM
Bob Dole during his farewell speech in the United State Senate in June of 1996-image courtesy CSPAN
Bob Dole during his farewell speech in the United State Senate in June of 1996-image courtesy CSPAN

WASHINGTON (AP) —Bob Dole will be honored Friday in a private memorial service attended by President Joe Biden as well as a public service at the World War II Memorial in Washington before the casket of the former presidential candidate and decorated soldier travels to Kansas for events in his hometown and the state capital.

Dole’s casket will lie in state Thursday at the U.S. Capitol. Biden will join former presidents, current and former leaders in Congress, friends and the Dole family for the private service Friday morning at Washington National Cathedral, according to the Dole Institute of Politics.

Bob Dole will be honored Friday in a private memorial service attended by President Joe Biden as well as a public service at the World War II Memorial in Washington before the casket of the former presidential candidate and decorated soldier travels to Kansas for events in his hometown and the state capital.

Dole’s casket will lie in state Thursday at the U.S. Capitol. Biden will join former presidents, current and former leaders in Congress, friends and the Dole family for the private service Friday morning at Washington National Cathedral, according to the Dole Institute of Politics.

A public viewing of Dole’s casket and a memorial service are set for Saturday morning at the St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Russell.

A private ceremony will follow at Saturday afternoon at the Statehouse in Topeka, with remarks by Kelly and the state’s two U.S. senators, Roger Marshall and Jerry Moran.

Dole was born and grew up in Russell before being severely wounded in fighting in Italy in 1945 during World War II while charging a German position. He spent three years recovering and never regained the use of his right hand.

He served as the local county attorney, then in the Kansas House, and four terms in the U.S. House representing a western Kansas district. He served more than four terms in the Senate and was majority leader when he left Congress in 1996. He also was the 1976 nominee for vice president on the GOP’s losing ticket with President Gerald Ford.

Dole was known for the caustic wit he turned on others and himself. In Congress, he shaped tax and foreign policy and worked vigorously to help the disabled through the Americans with Disabilities Act that protected against discrimination in employment, education and public services.