Madison Dibble 
Former United States Sen. Bob Dole captured the hearts of many Americans when he took to his own two feet to honor his former competitor, former President George H.W. Bush.
Dole and Bush ran against each other to be the Republican nominee for president in 1988. Dole ended up losing to Bush, but he never lost respect for his former competitor.
On Tuesday, Dole joined thousands of other Americans in paying their respects to the former president, but not many could look away when Dole arrived at his old rival’s casket.
With a bit of help from an aide, the 95-year-old got out of his wheelchair to give one final salute to his fellow World War II veteran.
Watch the video below:
In an emotional scene, former US Sen. Bob Dole was helped out of his wheelchair and saluted the casket of former President George H.W. Bush inside the US Capitol Rotunda https://t.co/ewtd8gXTJa pic.twitter.com/T3ZjMnSc8a
— CNN (@CNN) December 4, 2018
Many Americans were captivated by Dole’s somber salute to Bush. Some took to Twitter to express their awe in Dole’s touching tribute, including Bush’s son, Jeb:
Just incredible. Thank you Senator Dole. https://t.co/yhKG4DLCQU
— Jeb Bush (@JebBush) December 4, 2018
Rising from his wheelchair, Dole’s salute is truly indescribable. #greatestgeneration https://t.co/9PEKuDHz1Q
— Sarah Boxer (@Sarah_Boxer) December 4, 2018
Cried my eyes out ?? https://t.co/Qhn5xvjNt9
— Amanda Prestigiacomo (@AmandaPresto) December 4, 2018
Absolutely lost it over this. 95 and with the whole world watching. If Dole can pay his respects so bravely, you can do that thing today that you might be fearful of stumbling over.
And remember – we all age and we all need others. Offer to others what you want offered to you. https://t.co/vFCBamQIb5
— Grace Parra (@GraceParra360) December 4, 2018
Some even noticed that Dole also honored the former president with is choice in socks, a hat tip to Bush’s famous affinity for colorful socks.
Bob Dole donning snowman socks today, ostensibly in honor of GHWB. pic.twitter.com/QrYBHfczUf
— Zach C. Cohen (@Zachary_Cohen) December 4, 2018
The moment was a beautiful symbol of American unity and fighting spirit, overcoming past rivalries to honor a great man and patriot — from his own two feet.
Though they were bitter rivals in life it’s appropriate to see one old warrior pay final respects to another. That’s dignity.
The “Greatest Generation” still has much to share and teach us all through example.
This story is very moving. It is beautiful to see Bob Dole, despite needing an aide, standing to salute his fellow veteran. Also, his snowman socks are amazing!