Trust for the National Mall Honors the late Senator Robert J. Dole with a Commemorative Concert at the World War II Memorial

Trust for the National Mall and Partners Honor the late Senator Robert J. Dole with a Concert at the World War II Memorial

The Trust for the National Mall, in partnership with the National Park Service, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, the Friends of the National World War II Memorial, and the Diana Davis Spencer Foundation, invited the public to attend a Commemorative Birthday Band Concert honoring the late U.S. Senator Robert J. Dole on July 21, 2022, the eve of what would have been his 99th birthday.

The U.S. Army Blues band, the Army’s premier jazz ensemble, welcomed guests to the World War II Memorial with Big Band-style instrumentals, which were followed by welcome remarks from the Trust’s President and CEO Catherine Townsend. Jeff Reinbold, Superintendent of the National Mall and Memorial Parks at NPS, introduced special guest Senator Elizabeth Dole for a moving tribute to her late husband, in which she shared stories of courage and inspiration from her husband’s early days serving in the U.S. Army during World War II. Senator Bob Dole was a driving force behind the creation and construction of the WWII Memorial after his time in the military service, and his leadership during the war inspired the kind of public servant that he would become.

Former Congressman Jim Slattery also spoke to his former colleague’s career in government, where Senator Bob Dole represented Kansas in the U.S. Senate for over two decades. Congressman Slattery then led a group toast to the late Senator with sparkling water provided by Coca-Cola. The U.S. Army Blues band closed out the event with a moving jazz performance that included familiar compositions, such as “God Bless America,” accompanied by vibrant vocals that reverberated throughout the World War II Memorial and drew in curious onlookers exploring the National Mall. To wrap it all up, attendees brought home Senator Bob Dole-themed chocolate cupcakes— the late senator’s favorite flavor.

Senator Bob Dole was a beloved figure at the World War II Memorial and was a familiar face at “Honor Flights,” which welcome the nation’s veterans to memorials built to honor their service. The concert was a joyous and moving tribute to the senator’s extraordinary career in public and military service, and the Trust is grateful for the support and partnership of the Diana Davis Spencer Foundation, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, the Friends of the National World War II Memorial, the National Park Service, the U.S Army Blues band and the generosity of Georgetown Cupcake and Coca-Cola for making this special evening on the National Mall possible.