Celebrating Bob Dole's Life, Legacy

On Saturday, July 22—what would have been Bob Dole’s 100th birthday—the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics at the University of Kansas will honor the late senator’s life.

A free public celebration will include family-friendly activities, guest speakers, music and a military flyover. It will also feature a commemorative “earthwork” by Kansas artist Stan Herd, who creates images on areas of land using crops and soil.

Artwork from students across Kansas will be incorporated into the final design. Herd is currently working on the piece, and the public is invited to view the image as it takes shape through July 22.

AARP Kansas is one of the sponsors of the celebration. It will have a booth at the event where people can find information about caregiving—particularly for veterans and their families.

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Dole served in Congress for 35 years, playing instrumental roles in reforming Social Security, extending the Voting Rights Act and passing the Americans with Disabilities Act. He served as Senate Republican leader from 1985 to 1996, before stepping down to run for president.

The Kansas native and World War II veteran died in December 2021 at the age of 98. Dole was a staunch advocate of veterans and a key force behind the creation of the World War II Memorial in Washington.

Guests attending the July celebration will include Dole's widow, former U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole (R-N.C.), and his daughter, Robin Dole. The event will also have a special exhibit chronicling Dole's legacy and a veterans oral history recording station.

Learn more about the event at doleinstitute.org/landmark.