'I'M SO GRATEFUL'
THE daughter of one of the US Senate's longest-serving Republican leaders gave a tearful tribute on Friday as the family fired their funeral planner.
Remarks at the Washington National Cathedral shed light on Bob Dole's 35 years as a Congressional leader and final moments with family.
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The long-time US senator and veteran died on Sunday at age 98 following a battle with lung cancer.
President Joe Biden was one of many who paid tribute to Bob, calling him the master of the senate.
"We served together for 25 years, we disagreed, but we were never disagreeable with one another," Biden said.
"Bob Dole understood that we're all part of something much bigger than ourselves, that compromise isn't a dirty word. It's a cornerstone of democracy."
Some of the most notable remarks came from Bob's daughter, Robin Dole, his only child with his first wife Phyllis.
"My dad was a giver, not a taker," she said. "He cared more about others than he did about himself. He told me he set a personal goal to help a person each day."
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Robin helped Bob with his political campaigns starting at five years old, though she didn't have an official label for her duties.
She described nightly phone calls with her father over the past few years, with them spending hundreds of hours talking about "everything under the sun."
"I have had an incredible 67 years with my dad. I'm so grateful. Not everyone gets that time," Robin said. "The last few years have been a gift."
She read part of a farewell letter her dad had written in secret before ending her speech with the words of Dwight D. Eisenhower.
"I believe in the future of the United States of America," she said through tears.
"I will miss him so much. I think I will still talk to him every night. I love you, dad. I promise you will never walk alone."
LIFE OF SERVICE
Bob served in the Kansas legislature then was elected to the US House of Representatives in 1960 and the Senate in 1968.
Before becoming a senator, he served in World War II and earned two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star with the "V" Device for valor for his attempt to help a downed soldier.
Bob was seriously hurt in Italy shortly before the end of the conflict and reportedly lost most mobility in his right arm.
His military service was honored on Friday at the National World War II Memorial, a tribute to service members that Bob helped bring to the National Mall.
"Let everyone know, without Bob Dole, there would be no World War II Memorial," former Republican Senator Pat Roberts of Kansas said.
Bob's dedication to his fellow veterans was echoed by actor Tom Hanks and former Democratic Senator Tom Daschle, who highlighted Bob's dedication to many groups in need.
"He stood up for minorities, he stood up for the elderly, he stood up for children, he stood up for people with disabilities - and boy, did he stand up for his fellow veterans."
FUNERAL MANAGER FIRED
Before the service, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation confirmed it fired an event organizer helping with funeral arrangements because of alleged ties to the January 6 US Capitol protests.
Tim Unes worked on Bob's 1996 presidential bid and was terminated on Wednesday, reported.
“Mr. Unes volunteered his time to serve on the advance team for this week’s memorial events honoring Senator Dole. Yesterday, I made Senator Elizabeth Dole aware of Mr. Unes’ alleged involvement in the events of January 6, 2021," Steven Schwab, Dole family spokesperson and CEO of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, said in a statement to the news organization.
"Senator Dole was previously unaware of his participation."
Unes worked on campaign events for former President Donald Trump and was "stage manager" for the event featuring Trump's remarks on the Ellipse just south of the White House before the protests, Nexstar reported.
Unes was one of 11 people issued subpoenas by the US House of Representatives Select Committee in its investigation of the riot, according to .
GOING HOME
After the tributes on Friday, Bob's casket was set to depart for his home state of Kansas.
It will be greeted by a delegation at Hays Regional Airport on Friday evening, near his hometown of Russell, Kansas, reported.
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Memorials will take place there before he's brought back to Washington, though details of his burial have not yet been announced.
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