topic Re: SENATOR BOB DOLE LYING IN STATE in Community Chat

SENATOR BOB DOLE LYING IN STATE

Oznell — Thu, 09 Dec 2021 16:29:31 GMT

The late, great Senator Bob Dole is lying in state today (Thursday) in the Capitol rotunda. His casket is supported by the Lincoln catafalque, the platform that was built in 1865 to hold Lincoln's casket.

The honor is so well-deserved. Our later generations are not as aware as his was, of the sacrifices of this remarkable man. Grievously wounded in northern Italy at the end of World War II, he lay face down in paralysis, and in the dirt for many hours before getting the medical help he desperately needed.

Then followed two and one half years of hospitalization. He lost a kidney, his right arm was rendered useless, his shoulder mangled, and only a few fingers of his left hand functioning as before. Multiple surgeries were unable to restore his arm.

Though maimed, and for the rest of his life unable to perform simple functions others take for granted, he was a non-complainer, and became devoted to a life of public service.

For those interested, CSPAN is showing the solemn arrival at the Capitol now, and his memorial service will be televised by them at 11:00 a.m. Eastern tomorrow, (Friday).

Edited to correct the time of the memorial.

Re: SENATOR BOB DOLE LYING IN STATE

fthunt — Thu, 09 Dec 2021 16:31:13 GMT

Yes, it's on all channels...............

Re: SENATOR BOB DOLE LYING IN STATE

deepwaterdotter — Thu, 09 Dec 2021 16:34:17 GMT

The CSPAN coverage is my preferred reporting, thanks for mentioning it.

Re: SENATOR BOB DOLE LYING IN STATE

beckyb1012 — Thu, 09 Dec 2021 16:36:48 GMT

I still wonder what he could have done for our country back in 1996. Sadly never given the chance. Rest in peace Senator.

Re: SENATOR BOB DOLE LYING IN STATE

Oznell — Thu, 09 Dec 2021 16:41:43 GMT

Elizabeth Dole, and Bob's daughter Robin Dole at the ceremony.

Re: SENATOR BOB DOLE LYING IN STATE

golding76 — Thu, 09 Dec 2021 18:16:30 GMT

Tears for a statesman and a good man. He was one of the "golden guys," in my book.

Looking from the long view, he was an extraordinary and inspired person. A genuine hero who exemplified courage in various ways.

Adding this thought: Now that I think about it, I deeply admired the way he maintained his personal dignity despite so many dreadful challenges. Courage and dignity. An unbeatable combination.

Re: SENATOR BOB DOLE LYING IN STATE

Drythe — Thu, 09 Dec 2021 21:42:45 GMT

A true Statesman, a vanishing breed.

May he Rest In Peace.

Re: SENATOR BOB DOLE LYING IN STATE

Pearlee — Thu, 09 Dec 2021 21:46:28 GMT

@Drythe wrote:
A true Statesman, a vanishing breed.

May he Rest In Peace.

@Drythe I think "extinct" is more accurate than "vanishing." 😔

Re: SENATOR BOB DOLE LYING IN STATE

sann — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 00:46:32 GMT

🇺🇸 Greatest Generation 🇺🇸

Re: SENATOR BOB DOLE LYING IN STATE

golding76 — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 01:33:17 GMT

When Elizabeth Dole put her head on Senator Dole's coffin, did an image of Nancy Reagan doing the same thing at President Reagan's coffin come to mind? It brought back that memory for me. Elizabeth Dole was also a senator, but for some reason, I preferred to give her name alone.

Both of these women had such a genuine and abiding love for their husband.

Nancy Reagan

Elizabeth Dole

Re: SENATOR BOB DOLE LYING IN STATE

beach-mom — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 06:38:15 GMT

He was one of a kind, with a life devoted to service. He also had a remarkable sense of humor.

I didn't know until listening to coverage that he and the late Senator Daniel Inouye were such close friends. They met recuperating in the hospital. Senator Dole talked Senator Inouye, who had wanted to become a doctor, into getting into politics. And they ended up on opposite sides of the aisle, but still close friends.

Look at our country today and look at these two gentlemen. The WWII generation that could teach us so much is sadly vanishing.

Re: SENATOR BOB DOLE LYING IN STATE

Duckncover — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 15:52:04 GMT

This great American literally gave his all for our country. He served the nation in various capacities for 79 years. That is amazing. Left on the battlefield for dead....and he went on to be someone our country will forever owe our respect and gratitude. I have always had respect for Elizabeth Dole. I know she was a senator, but I had forgotten she also served in the cabinets of both Reagan and Bush Sr. She is now age 85. It was announced she would speak at the start of the service in the rotunda, but she did not. I can't imagine how difficult that would have been for her.

Re: SENATOR BOB DOLE LYING IN STATE

ValuSkr — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 16:03:26 GMT

He was quite unlike today's politicians, willing to talk across the aisle. And I appreciated the President's kind comments about Mr. Dole.

Re: SENATOR BOB DOLE LYING IN STATE

Oznell — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 16:18:13 GMT

Thank you, @beach-mom , for highlighting Daniel Inouye and Bob Dole's wonderful relationship. Here they are as young servicemen in the hospital in Michigan, playing cards. Love to see their high spirits:

It's great, the stories out there, many of which did not or would not come out when Bob Dole was living.

Martina Narayanan, the concierge of the Watergate building where Bob Dole lived for decades, related something very interesting to Channel 4 news in Washington.

Her husband had worked there too, as a doorman. When he suffered a heart attack and was incapacitated, Senator Dole quietly undertook to help support the family during that period. Mrs. Narayanan said for three months, Dole gave them $300 weekly in cash.

She said he'd say (in his characteristically matter-of-fact way) "He's not working, you need to pay the bills".

I don't go gaga over many public figures, but I can see why she adored him. His actions, all the way from spectacular courage in defense and love of country, to this kind of quiet concern for others, and non-dramatic, non-show-offy sense of responsibility, are what get my respectful attention. Love those who do, and not just talk!

Re: SENATOR BOB DOLE LYING IN STATE

Duckncover — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 16:54:02 GMT

The funeral services for Bob Dole are beginning noon Eastern time. Interesting to see so many past political figures there, though hard to identify some due to the masks they are required to wear. Poor Elizabeth seemed to have difficulty making it up the front steps even holding the arm of a military officer escort. My heart truly goes out to her today.

Re: SENATOR BOB DOLE LYING IN STATE

Duckncover — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 16:57:29 GMT

I have heard several clips that show his dry, hilarious wit. He had to tap each himself how to write with his left hand when his right one was rendered weak and useless due to his injuries. He died in his sleep Sunday. What a peaceful, pain-free passing away we would want for anyone.

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Brisky — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 17:47:34 GMT

Thanks for the reminder. I also admired him and his dedication to our Country.

RIP Bob Dole and job well done. Condolences to his family.

Re: SENATOR BOB DOLE LYING IN STATE

Oznell — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 17:59:36 GMT

Beautiful, tender rendition of the great spiritual, "Shall We Gather By the River" at the service now....

Transcendent, gives chills....

Edited-- I misspoke. Of course it's "Shall We Gather AT the River", not "by" the river! Was getting a little choked up...

Re: SENATOR BOB DOLE LYING IN STATE

deepwaterdotter — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 18:33:23 GMT

@Oznell wrote:
Beautiful, tender rendition of the great spiritual, "Shall We Gather By the River" at the service now....

Transcendent, gives chills....

Edited-- I misspoke. Of course it's "Shall We Gather AT the River", not "by" the river! Was getting a little choked up...

It was very moving, I teared up also.

Re: SENATOR BOB DOLE LYING IN STATE

Oznell — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 18:36:14 GMT

Arrival at Washington Cathedral.

A life well-lived.