Former senator Bob Dole, 95, rose from a wheelchair to salute former president George H.W. Bush

By Rodolfo Vieira

Dec 05, 2018

11:27 A.M.

Bob Dole, the former Senate Majority Leader, paid his respects to George H.W. Bush by rising from his wheelchair to salute the late President.

95-year-old Dole and 94-year-old Bush were once opponents, back in the 1988 Republican presidential primary, but they still had quite a lot respect for each other.

As it can be seen in the video being shared on Twitter, Dole, with the help of an aide, stood on the floor of the Capitol Rotunda and saluted the 41st President's casket.

According to Jim McGrath, Bush's spokesman, Dole's salute was a 'last powerful gesture of respect from one member of the Greatest Generation to another.'

But the former Senate Majority Leader was only one of the many figures who attended Bush's funeral, including Colin Powell, Bush's former Chiefs of Staff chairman, and Sully, the late President's service dog, which was seen lying on the floor next to the casket.

THE GRIEVING SON'S FAREWELL

It has been reported that Bush's son, former President George W. Bush, will deliver the eulogy, a moment that will certainly be emotionally overwhelming for the whole family.

President Donald Trump, who has already paid his tribute to Bush on Monday when he appeared alongside his wife Melania, has declared Wednesday, December 5, a national day of mourning.

BUSH WILL BE BURIED IN TEXAS

"It was a last powerful gesture of respect from one member of the Greatest Generation to another."

The 94-year-old's remains are scheduled to travel to Joint Base Andrews, located in Maryland, for a second funeral ceremony before returning to Texas, where they will stay at St. Martin's Episcopal Church, in Houston.

PRINCE CHARLES TRIBUTE VISIT

But while his body is still lying in state at the Rotunda, several important figures are expected to attend the funeral, including Charles, the Prince of Wales, who will be representing Queen Elizabeth, as well as the rest of the Royal Family.

The Queen considered Bush a 'great friend and ally of the United Kingdom,' and didn't waste any time paying her respects on Saturday, December 1, through a statement posted on the Royal Family's official website.