President orders the nation’s flags to be flown at half-staff.
Bob Dole, a former stalwart of the Senate and presidential hopeful died Sunday at age 98. He was one of Washington’s most recognizable political figures through the latter half of the 20th century.
“Senator Robert Joseph Dole died early this morning in his sleep. At his death, at age 98, he had served the United States of America faithfully for 79 years,” according to a statement from his family.
In a statement, President Biden proclaimed that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half staff “at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds,” including foreign ministries and military installations, through December 9.
Dole served in World War II and was wounded in battle in Italy in March 1945. A month later, he was severely hurt while trying to protect his troops from enemy fire. As a result of his injuries, he never regained use of his right arm. He was awarded two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star.
The Kansas legislator was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1960. He was then elected to the Senate in 1968 and re-elected four times. He was the Republican presidential nominee in 1996 but was defeated by incumbent Bill Clinton.
In a 1996 article in the Baltimore Sun, Dole’s sister said, “Bob doesn’t talk a lot about his faith, but it’s always in his heart. His family knows that ultimately he depends on God.”
Dole will lie in state in the U.S. Capitol on Thursday as congressional leaders honor him and his service to the nation.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For the family of Bob Dole as they grieve their loss.
- With gratitude for many of the accomplishments in the life of Bob Dole, for his work on establishing the Americans with Disabilities Act, and for displays of faith.
Sources: CNN, Newsmax, The Baltimore Sun, USA Today
