Bob Dole passes away leaving behind a legacy of American patriotism

Jessica Steele

Source: biography.com

Senator Bob Dole passed away Sunday December 5th, 2021 after being diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer in February of 2021. Dole was a beloved senator for the state of Kansas, presidential nominee, and WWII war hero.

Early Life

Dole came from humble beginnings, growing up in a blue-collar family with one brother and two sisters during the Great Depression era. Dole's parents gave him a solid religious upbringing as well as instilled the values of hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance which would prove to be helpful in both Dole's military and political career.

Military Career

After Dole completed high school in 1941, he enrolled in the premedical program at the University of Kansas. His college dreams were quickly interrupted as the United States entered into WWII. Being led to serve, Dole enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942 and was shortly summoned to active duty in 1943. Dole was sent to Europe and ended up in Northern Italy, a region that still held German troops. This city was where Dole would experience what he called "the day that changed my life."

Dole led an assault against a German gun nest, despite his limited combat experience. During the assult, A U.S. Army soldier got hit by German fire, Dole attempted to save the injured soldier. Dole received severe injuries to the shoulder, neck, spine, and kidney in his attempt to save the soldier's life. The medics who examined Dole after the attack predicted him to experience full-body paralysis and deemed him unlikely to survive.

After multiple surgeries and extensive therapy, Dole made an unprecedented recovery. The only long-lasting effects of his injuries were paralysis in his right arm and hand. Dole was awarded two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star for his military service.

Political Career

After recovering from his injuries, Dole went back to college and earned his undergraduate and law degrees at Washburn Municipal College in Topeka. After holding multiple local and state legislation positions, Dole sought a seat with the U.S. House of Representatives. Dole beat out his Democratic opponent and won the seat as the Republican congressman. After his three terms in Congress, Dole campaigned for a seat as a Kansas U.S. senator, his determination was rewarded with an impressive win.

Dole served in the Senate until the last '90s. During his time in the Senate, he advocated for the veteran community and was known for his passion and rigor. As he was ambitious in nature, Dole had dreams of taking office in the White House. First, he ran as a running mate with Ford in 1976 and again as a presidential candidate in 1980 and 1988, which he lost to Clinton.

Impact

Among Dole's contributions in the military as a war hero, he had molded a reputation from himself as a true American patriot through his professional and political career. His efforts drove the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990. Dole also aided in passing S.J.Res. 129 (101st): A joint resolution to provide for the designation of September 15, 1989, (now the third Friday in September) as "National POW/MIA Recognition Day." In 2007 he was tasked by President George Bush to head a commission to investigate problems at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

Bob Dole's service, contributions, and dedication to the betterment and advancement of the United States will never be forgotten. Our condolences go out to Senator Dole's family and close friends.