95-Year-Old Bob Dole Got Up From His Wheelchair To Salute His Former Opponent, George H.W. Bush, For The Last Time
December 5, 2018 14:13
Former Senator Bob Dole, who was George H.W. Bush's opponent in the Republican presidential primaries, made the sweetest gesture to pay respect to the late 41st President.
Bob Dole salutes the late George H.W. Bush
On Tuesday, 95-year-old Bob Dole, a World War II veteran and George H.W. Bush's opponent in the 1988 presidential election, attended the US Capitol Rotunda to say his last goodbye to Bush Senior.
READ ALSO: Queen Elizabeth Pays A Touching Tribute To Her Old Friend, The Late George H.W. Bush
At 95, Dole uses a wheelchair, as it's hard for him to walk on his own. Nevertheless, it didn't stop the former senator from giving a final salute to the late Bush.
The heart-melting video shows how Dole was helped to rise from his wheelchair and salute the former US President. The moment showed profound respect for his former opponent.
Bob Dole, at 95 years old, stands from his wheelchair to salute George H.W. Bush in the Capitol Rotunda pic.twitter.com/z6NdG7exZx
— Axios (@axios) December 4, 2018
All people in attendance, as well as numerous social media users, couldn't hold back tears watching this moving tribute.
Bob Dole - how nice to see you honoring #41 today. Still handsome at 95! pic.twitter.com/NTm47HK4x4
— Barbra Streisand (@BarbraStreisand) December 4, 2018
Just incredible. Thank you Senator Dole. https://t.co/yhKG4DLCQU
— Jeb Bush (@JebBush) December 4, 2018
What a beautiful moment. Two men, both heroes of World War II, and whose political and professionals lives were so intertwined, saying their final farewell. God bless the late President Bush and God bless, Senator Dole.
— Greg Giordano (@GregGiordano1) December 4, 2018
Time can heal. I was with Bob Dole when he lost to George HW Bush in New Hampshire, an outcome that effectively ended Dole's run for the White House and saved that of Bush. Dole was angry and bitter. This tribute 30 years later is the sort of thing that keeps me optimistic.
— Richard N. Haass (@RichardHaass) December 4, 2018
Bob Dole's salute—left-handed, because he still suffers from his WWII injuries—was so much more meaningful than the salute from our draft dodger president, whose actions dishonor the presidency and the military. What is the lesson of the Age of Trump? Character no longer matters.
— Pierre Atlas (@PierreAtlas) December 5, 2018
READ ALSO: George H.W. Bush's Service Dog Sully Breaks Hearts With His Touching Final Act Of Service
George H.W. Bush's fear
George H.W. Bush died last Friday, aged 94.
Bush's spokesman, Jim McGrath, revealed on Twitter that once the 41st President feared no one would come to his funeral. And now people are waiting hours to pay their respects to Bush, including his former opponents.
Briefed in 2011 about his funeral and lying in state, the 41st President asked with typical humility, "Do you think anyone will come?" Tonight, people are waiting hours to pay their respects. This photo, taken Monday, is courtesy the Senate Press Photographers' Gallery pool. pic.twitter.com/jveNxNlUYV
— Jim McGrath (@jgm41) December 5, 2018
George H.W. Bush was a great leader and a person with a kind heart. Millions of people around the globe mourn the passing of this eminent man. RIP, George!
READ ALSO: 75-Year-Old Love Letter Written By George H. W. Bush To Barbara During WWII Goes Viral Hours After Her Death