Paul Coverdell: “not far from the Capitol, on Constitution, across from the Navy Memorial, is a building that houses the Declaration of…”

“not far from the Capitol, on Constitution, across from the Navy Memorial, is a building that houses the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States and other major artifacts of our beginning. On the outside of the building, it says, ``The Past is Prolog.'' As I have heard the eloquent statements throughout the day and throughout the past several weeks about our majority leader, this has come to mind, because the future is always guided and shaped by the past. Bob Dole is a man of this century. Bob Dole's life experience is that of a giant figure in American history. The experiences of his life are immeasurable. The knowledge that has been accomplished by it would be hard to calculate. The capacity that it represents has a far and long reach. So when the Senator from Kansas came at midday and gave us his farewell address, you could measure some of the energy and reach and capacity of this world figure, of this American figure, by the response that he received on both sides of the aisle, and throughout America, I am sure. I have always said that whenever I think of Bob Dole, I think of the heart and soul of America. I think we saw that expressed over these last several days. He truly is the embodiment of everything that we have come to think of as America--the fortitude to overcome adversity, perseverance, patience, strength, agility, entrepreneurship, problem solving, getting things done.…”