UPF-International—Our sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of Senator Robert “Bob” Dole (1923-2021), an iconic member of the “greatest generation,” who passed away in his sleep at the age of 98 on December 5, 2021. Senator Dole, a Republican from Kansas, served in the Senate from 1969-1996, and was respected by the leadership of both parties. Known for his quick wit, his collegial nature and statesman-like character, he is widely beloved by the people of America and the world over.
He served in combat in Europe during World War II, and suffered life-threatening injuries that left his right arm paralyzed. Sen. Dole was present at UPF’s Assembly 2000, convened in New York on August 17-19, 2000. At that time, UPF was registered as the Interreligious and International Federation for World Peace.
Sen. Dole spoke during the Assembly 2000 session convened at the United Nations on August 18, along with other speakers that included the Rt. Hon. Edward Heath, former Prime Minister of the UK; H.E. Oscar Arias, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and former President of Costa Rica; H.E. Kenneth Kaunda, former President of Zambia; Indonesian Amb. Makarim Wibisono, President of ECOSOC; and UPF’s Founders, Rev. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon.
In 2010, in honor of the 60th anniversary of the Korean War, Senator Dole provided a letter of support to the Little Angels Children’s Folk Ballet of Korea on their goodwill world tour to express condolences and gratitude to the veterans and their families and convey to them that Korea is “a country that does not forget.”