WASHINGTON D.C. - Former U.S. Sen. Bob Dole, who succeeded President George H.W. Bush as the standard bearer for the Republican Party in the 1990s, insisted on getting out of his wheelchair to stand and salute his late friend one more time in a touching moment at the Capitol.
The Kansas Republican, 95, who like Bush was a decorated veteran from his service in World War II, was the Republican presidential nominee in 1996 against President Clinton.
A visibly emotional Dole was wheeled into the Capitol rotunda where Bush's body lie in state. An aide helped Dole to his feet and supported him as he raised his left hand in salute to the flag-draped casket.
Dole has been plagued with health issues over the last 20 years since being treated for an aortic aneurysm and multiple bouts of pneumonia.