WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today helped unveil a plaque to honor Kansas’ favorite son, U.S. Senator Robert J. Dole on the National Mall at the World War II Memorial Dole helped to create.

The effort to recognize Senator Dole’s service to the nation began in October of 2009 when Senator Roberts and U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye (D-HI) wrote to U.S. Secretary of the Interior, Ken Salazar requesting a permanent plaque on the World War II Memorial at the Pacific Theater entrance near the visitor’s center.

Secretary Salazar authorized the plaque and its placement at the memorial with a letter stating, “Senator Dole’s service and sacrifice for the Nation, his historical commitment to members of the Armed Forces of the United States, and his role in raising funds for the construction of the World War II Memorial places him among our country’s greatest leaders and patriots.”

The ceremony today included remarks from Senator Dole, Senator Roberts, Tom Brokaw, Vice President Joseph Biden, Senator Liddy Dole, Senator Daniel Inouye and others.

The following is the prepared text of Senator Roberts’ remarks:

“It is both an honor and privilege for me to represent Bob Dole’s home State of Kansas as we dedicate a most fitting plaque recognizing Bob’s tireless support of America’s veterans and the World War II Memorial.
 
“Simply put, the World War II Memorial would not exist were it not for Senator Bob Dole.

“Tom, my marching orders from on high are pretty clear – three minutes and no cornball Roberts humor. That is just as well in that Bob has the last word.

“My orders: Sum up Bob’s legislative record. That is a lot like, ‘Discuss American history since 1865 in three minutes!’ The challenge is Bob’s legislative achievements are legion and to be honest and accurate he did so much more as Senate Leader and gave others credit for it.

“All right, as a Marine, I take orders. Hang on:
 
“– Most here know of or have a friend in hospice care. Bob Dole, Hospice Care Act, 1981.

“– Russell, Hays, Dodge City, Abilene, they all know, every farmer and rancher in Kansas and America knows Bob rode point on every farm bill that came down the trail, emergency relief, conservation, rural development a true champion for rural and small town America.

“– Social Security Reform, 1983, yep, it can be done.

“– Millions of disabled Americans now live safer, better and richer lives; The Americans With Disability Act, 1990.  Millions more are now partners in government, Voting Rights Act, 1965.  l983, the Martin Luther King Holiday bill.

“– What jump-started the multi-billion dollar bio-technology industry in the U.S? The little known Bayh-Dole Act, 1980.

“– Millions of disadvantaged and single parents do not have to worry about their kids facing malnutrition and hunger today: Food Stamps, School Lunch and Breakfast reforms, 1997. The odd couple; Dole and McGovern.

“– The Telecom Bill, 1995, Tax Reform, 1986, Economic Recovery and Tax Package, 1981.  Stalwart for our national security and our troops – every year.

“Well, I think you get it. The truth is Bob’s fingerprints have been on almost every piece of legislation prior to and during his years of leadership – either in support, changing it for the better or giving it a proper burial.

“The man was and is amazing; his record of public service, this memorial, the Honor Flights and Wounded Warriors programs. The World War II Memorial has become wonderfully unique, a mecca not really expected or predicted –  where veterans whose heroic efforts and sacrifice preserved our freedoms – now come by the thousands. 

“Some walk pretty slow, some not at all. But, they come to recollect, recall, cry, tell stories, laugh, pray and meet their brothers in a once in a lifetime remembrance. It touches your heart. I know. I have taken part in these reunions. I try to steal them away to the Iwo Jima Memorial.  It’s a Marine thing. The wonderful thing is that these recollections are now being recorded, printed and understood by high school students for history to come.
 
“Bob, Americans across this country tell today’s Tom Brokaws they sure would like to see those of us in Washington work together, face up to the challenges threatening our very future and get the job done. 
 
“You have shown that can be done. We all come to Washington to make a difference. Senator Bob Dole did just that and with this Memorial so much more.”