Topeka – The State of Kansas launched the Kansas Walk of Honor Friday with the unveiling of a plaque recognizing the contributions made by Sen. Bob Dole on a state and national level. More than 100 family, friends and fellow Kansans joined Sen. Dole, his wife Elizabeth, Gov. Sam Brownback and First Lady Mary Brownback
Born in Russell, KS in 1923, Dole served as a combat infantry officer in Italy during WWII and was wounded twice. He graduated from Washburn University Law School. Highlights of Sen. Dole’s long public service career include county attorney of Russell County; Kansas House of Representatives; U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate. He was the GOP nominee for the vice-presidency in 1976, serving as Gerald Ford’s running mate and was the party’s presidential nominee in 1996.
Sen. Dole said his debt to those Kansans who elected him to serve will never be repaid. “But it can be honored – every time I try, in some small way, to emulate the compassion and generosity of my friends and neighbors in Russell, multiplied over the years by countless acts of kindness, and culminating today in this ceremony,” Sen. Dole said.
U.S. Senator Pat Roberts recalled Dole’s many accomplishments in Washington, including the Hospice Care Act (1981); numerous farm bills; Social Security Reform (1983); Americans with Disability Act (1990), Voting Rights Act (1965); and Bayh-Dole Act (1980).
The Kansas Historical Foundation, a 501(c)(3), will serve as the caretakers of funds for the Kansas Walk of Honor. The Historical Foundation, which supports the Kansas Historical Society, a state agency, will establish the Walk fund so that people can offer donations to cover the cost of plaques. The cost for each plaque is $2,000 including shipping.
The plan is for up to three plaques to be added each year to the Walk. The 25 Notable Kansans recently announced will be among the first to be placed on the Walk. Kansans also may submit names of others to be considered for future plaques to the Kansas Historical Foundation. A small committee will be appointed that will make nominations and selections.