Dole dedication photo gallery

The Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics opened amid four days of fanfare July 19-22, bringing thousands to KU to share in memorable events: a World War II encampment, displays of vintage aircraft, oral histories told by veterans, a USO-style show, and appearances by national dignitaries, including former President Jimmy Carter and National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice.

But throughout the celebration, one theme remained clear: the fanfare was for the common man. Former Sen. Bob Dole, '45, had insisted from the onset that the dedication honor the men and women who served their country in World War II, the group that NBC news anchor Tom Brokaw named "The Greatest Generation" in his best-selling book.

Dole's commitment to his fellow veterans radiated, especially during the morning dedication July 22, Dole's 80th birthday. Before the ceremony began, veterans from every branch of the military stood to be recognized by the crowd of nearly 5,000. During his own speech, Dole, who as an Army lieutenant was grievously wounded April 12, 1945, in the hills of Italy, paid tribute to the 15 Medal of Honor winners who attended the dedication; each had been personally invited by Dole. As he concluded his remarks, he asked the crowd to remember five simple words that he said would mean the most to veterans of any war: "Thank you for your service."

Following the ceremony, the former senator and his wife, Sen. Elizabeth Dole, R-N.C., remained in the crowd, shaking hands and greeting well-wishers. "It was a very nice day, beautiful people, and we just had a great time," Dole said. "It's not about the people on the dais; it's about the people out here."

And, as Dole said repeatedly throughout the weekend, the Dole Institute of Politics isn't just about him. Dole and the institute's director, Richard Norton Smith, envision a place where young people can appreciate the value of public service and learn the politics—in the bipartisan sense—is a noble calling. "We wanted to take Bob Dole's story and use it to illustrate much larger themes," Smith said. "We want this to be a public building, a landmark that has an emotional engagement with the people of Kansas."

The 28,000-square-foot structure adds a striking silhouette to West Campus, complete with a reflecting pool reminiscent of Washington's Tidal Basin. The world's largest stained-glass American flag greets visitors, along with a dramatic stained glass "Russell window," donated by Dole in memory of his parents. Inside the building, two beams from the World Trade Center flank the flag and Dole's Army uniform—all reminders of the word that guides the institute: service. "The attacks of Sept. 11 represent a challenge to this generation," Smith said. "Every generation can be the greatest generation."

In addition to the world's largest Congressional archive and KU's first satellite uplink, the institute includes exhibits that trace Dole's KU days, his WWII service and long recuperation, and his political life. The senator's trademark sense of humor shines in the final display, "Statesman/Pitchman," which recalls Dole's quips, his recent forays as a commercial spokesman, and the comedians who have impersonated the senator on NBC's "Saturday Night Live."

Humor highlighted the weekend's events, especially in banter among Dole and former President Jimmy Carter and former Sen. George McGovern, both former political foes who have remained Dole's close friends. As he thanked Carter and other dignitaries for attending the celebration, Dole admitted he'd always hoped to have a presidential library. "You can visit mine anytime," Carter shot back.

Along with Carter, McGovern, Rice and Elizabeth Dole, dignitaries who spoke during the events included former New York City Mayor Rudolph Guiliani; former Rep. Jack Kemp, Dole's 1996 presidential running mate; former Sens. Howard Baker and Nancy Kassebaum Baker; Sens. Pat Roberts and Sam Brownback; Gov. Kathleen Sebelius; and KU Chancellor Robert E. Hemenway. NBC's Brokaw served as master of ceremonies for the Tuesday program as well as the July 21 Legacy of Leadership Dinner, at which Guiliani accepted the first Dole Leadership Prize. National broadcaster Bill Kurtis, j'64, returned to campus to help host various events throughout the weekend.

But one of the stars of the weekend was one of Dole's fellow WWII veterans, Jack Lucas, of Hattiesburg, Miss., whose bravery at age 17 earned him the Medal of Honor. Lucas had told Dole he desperately wanted to meet Jimmy Carter, so Dole interrupted his own dedication speech, asking Lucas to join him on-stage and meet Carter. Their emotional embrace, followed later by Lucas and Sen. Roberts leading the throng in singing "Happy Birthday" to Dole, served to emphasize Dole's closing remarks, a challenge to the generations that he hopes will visit and draw inspiration from the institute that bears his name:

"Remember that the greatness of America lies not in the power of her government but in the goodness of her people. And that the greatest victories are not won at the polls. They are won in human hearts."