Bob Dole, the onetime political rival of George H.W. Bush, did not let his wheelchair stop him from saluting the 41st President a final time on Tuesday, as citizens — and even a dog — gathered at the U.S. Capitol for a second consecutive day of national mourning.
The 95-year-old former Kansas senator lined up with soldiers and other wheelchair-bound Americans at the Capitol Rotunda, where Bush will lay in state until his funeral Wednesday, to honor a president whose legacy included a landmark law affirming the rights of the disabled.
As spectators held their breaths, an aide to Dole — who fought a bitter presidential campaign against Bush in 1988 — helped him stand up from his wheelchair and honor the commander-in-chief with a military salute that lasted 20 seconds.
“Just incredible,” Bush’s son Jeb tweeted along with a video of Dole’s somber display of respect. “Thank You Senator Dole.”
Dole’s abdication of political animosity was echoed throughout the day, as Americans of all political stripes visited the Capitol to honor Bush.
“I’m just here to pay my respects,” said Jane Hernandez, a retired physician in the heavily Democratic city and suburbs. “I wasn’t the biggest fan of his presidency, but all in all he was a good sincere guy doing a really hard job as best he could.”
In a sentimental moment, Bush’s service dog, Sully, was brought before his casket. The yellow Labrador, wearing a red, white and blue harness, stayed silent as he said goodbye to his master one last time.
President Trump, who visited the Rotunda late Monday night to pay his respects, spent time with the Bush family at the Blair presidential guesthouse across the street from the White House.
Bush, who passed away last week at 94, will be laid to rest in Texas on Thursday following funeral services at the Washington National Cathedral on Wednesday.
With News Wire Services
