Kelly orders flags lowered honoring Sen. Bob Dole
In accordance with Executive Order 20-30, and in coordination with the proclamation signed by President Joe Biden, Governor Laura Kelly has ordered flags throughout the State of Kansas to be flown at half-staff starting immediately until sunset on December 9, 2021 in honor of the passing of Senator Bob Dole.
“I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Bob Dole this morning,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Senator Dole was many things -- a war hero, a father, a husband, a public servant; and to Kansans, a man who embodied everything good and decent about Kansas and about America.
“In public office, Senator Dole was always a voice for Kansas. However, his work in the Senate also had a profound impact on all Americans. Most notably, his efforts to protect Social Security in 1983 and to ensure passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990, which transformed the lives of those living with a disability.
“Senator Dole’s legacy goes far beyond the walls of Congress. He was a larger-than-life presence in our nation’s politics and demonstrated a decency, a humility, and a civility that should serve as a model for those of us in public life.
“My thoughts are with his wife, Elizabeth, his family and all those who loved Bob Dole.”
Following the announcement Sunday of the death of Kansas Republican political stalwart and longtime Senator Bob Dole, reactions have poured in from state leaders on his legacy.
“Today, Kansas and our entire nation are heartbroken having lost a giant with the passing of Senator Bob Dole,” said Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan. “As one of the heroes from our greatest generation, you would be hard pressed to find someone with a bigger heart and more resilient than Senator Dole. He was an American hero, a statesman of the highest order, and one of the greatest legislators of all time,
“While he had incredible negotiating skills and was tough as nails, it was his huge heart and ability to work across the aisle that constantly led the way and delivered results for all Americans. For him, it was always more than politics, it was about being a positive influence for our nation and the world,” Marshall said.
“I will forever be humbled and honored to follow in his footsteps here in Congress. Each day I walk the halls of the Capitol, I recognize the boots I wore in the House and now in the Senate, were once worn by Senator Dole and on days like this, those boots look mighty large. There is no doubt, Laina and I are blessed to consider him as one of our greatest role models, a mentor, and a dear friend.
“Senator Dole always imparted the best advice to me, which was to ‘always remember where you are from’ and when there is ‘any problem too big, just go listen to the people of Kansas – they will give you the answer.’ He was forever a Kansan who always put service above self and was profoundly dedicated to bettering the lives of all those in our great state.
“On this difficult day, I join all Kansans in lifting up and praying for God’s comfort and peace for Elizabeth and Robin and all the Dole family and Dole team – for the path forward without Senator Dole as our leading statesman will remain difficult each passing day.”
“Senator Dole is a role model for all of us, Republicans and Democrats, that serve in the United States Senate,” said Kansas Sen. Jerry Moran. “My desk is the Bob Dole desk and my maiden remarks on the Senate floor were a tribute to him and the role model he is. While I admire Senator Dole’s legislative efforts, his career in Congress, his attempts to be the President of United States and his love of country, I always go back to his military service in World War II and then his long road to recovery. You cannot know what Bob Dole went through to return to the living after his experiences in the battlefields of Italy and the way Kansans rallied around him. He never gave up that indomitable spirit to make sure that good things happen for Kansans and Americans.”
“America has lost a statesman, a noble war hero, and a service-minded Kansan who never forgot where he came from,” said First District Congressman Tracey Mann, R-Kan. “I was blessed to spend some time with Senator Dole a few weeks ago. His love for Kansas and its people were on full display in his excited curiosity about our plans for the Big First. He was a thoughtful, committed, and energetic champion for our nation and our way of life in rural Kansas. He always treated others with respect and kindness – especially his fellow veterans as he attended nearly every Honor Flight that came to D.C.”
He said he left their time together inspired and commissioned as Sen. Dole made it clear that we must never forget where we come from. “He knew, deep down, that the heartbeat of our Nation is found in places like his hometown of Russell. His legacy will echo into the future, and his patriotic spirit serves as a benchmark for anyone who believes that our brightest days are yet to come. Thank you Senator Dole for working tirelessly to make the world a better place – may you rest in peace.”
