Bob Dole Rises From Wheelchair And Salutes Late George H.W. Bush To Pay His Respects

CNN / YouTube

Our 41st president, George H. W. Bush, passed away on November 30th, 2018. He was 94 years old. His passing came only seven months after his wife of 73 years, Barbara Bush, also passed away.

Bush in his Grumman TBM Avenger aboard USS San Jacinto in 1944. | U.S. Navy Photo / Public Domain

The country will now be flying their flags at half mast for the next 30 days, a symbol of mourning for the United States.

As one can imagine, the funeral brought together many dignitaries, both old and new. The attendees included:

Donald Trump
Melania Trump
Jimmy Carter
Bill Clinton
George W. Bush
Barack Obama
Rosalynn Carter
Hillary Clinton
Laura Bush
Michelle Obama
Prince Charles
Many others

Although the entire ceremony was quite poignant, perhaps one of the most heartwarming/emotional moments came when former Senator Bob Dole came in to pay his respects. Now wheelchair bound, Dole was pushed in front of the casket but refused to stay seated.

President Trump joined former presidents and vice presidents at the funeral for President George Bush. https://t.co/QiCO2zlGPG pic.twitter.com/q0jpvroXP3

— NYT Graphics (@nytgraphics) December 5, 2018

One of his aids helped him stand up straight so that he can properly salute his political friend but more importantly his brother-in-arms. Both Bush and Dole served in World War II; Bush as a naval aviator and Dole in the Army and both suffered during it. Bush got shot down in the Pacific and Dole was shot by the Germans in Italy.