Former Sen. Bob Dole (R., Kan.) was honored at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday during a ceremony to award him the Congressional Gold Medal.
Dole, 94, was awarded the nation's highest civilian honor in the Capitol Rotunda with President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, and several members of Congress present.
The president remarked how the state motto of Kansas, "To the stars through difficulty," reflects especially accurately on Dole's life and his values.
"Bob Dole has never stopped fighting for those values. He fights for Kansas, for veterans, for the disabled and for all of his fellow Americans. And he always has," Trump said.
Trump further paid tribute to the former senator's character, remarking how when the then second lieutenant was wounded while serving in World War II, he got through by thinking about his home in Kansas. Trump went on to say Dole's thoughts of home helped him in his amazing recovery.
Dole was severely injured while serving in Italy, leading to him having almost no use of his right hand. Throughout his long career, Dole carried a pen in that hand as a sign that he couldn't shake hands with it. He was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his actions while serving.
In Dole's extensive political career, he rose to become the Republican leader in the Senate for nearly a decade. Dole was the Republican nominee for president in 1996, running against President Bill Clinton.
In post-political life, Dole remained active in Republican politics, but did not run for office again. He became a spokesman for several companies, and also, the chairman of the World War II Memorial Campaign, which built the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.
"Nearly everyday at the memorial, you can see tough war heroes in their eighties and nineties moved to tears," Trump said on Wednesday. "And many recount the unforgettable experience of being greeted at their memorial, and much to their surprise, by Senator Dole, somebody they have great respect for."