now at the world war ii memorial. thousands upon thousands of young lives, memorialized here of which bob dole was almost one. this monument is made of stone. his life was a flesh and blood monument to the values that we revere here. i have to marvel that of all people it should be me here today talking about senator dole. we met only a few years ago and yet, somehow he and mrs. dole, senator elizabeth, took me under their wing, embraced me, and befriended me. they would call to ask about the kids, to chat about the big game. over the years they might send treats or an admired book, or a note of encouragement. during the pandemic, we even once had a face time with my then three and five-year-old and the dole dogs. that was wild. when i told senator bob that the pandemic had forced me to anchor