Bob Dole honoured by Biden and other leaders at Washington National Cathedral

The late senator's body had been lying state at the US capitol and was brought to the cathedral for eulogies

The casket of former senator Bob Dole of Kansas is led out of the US Capitol building before his funeral in Washington. Reuters

The casket is led out of the US Capitol building before the funeral in Washington. EPA

The casket is carried down the stairs of the US Capitol building. Reuters

US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Majority Leader Charles Schumer, Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy watch as the casket is carried down the steps of the US Capitol. Reuters

The casket of former US senator Bob Dole is carried into the Washington National Cathedral. AFP

Elizabeth Dole, wife of Bob Dole, accompanied by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Mark Milley and daughter Robin Dole, watch as his casket is carried into the Washington National Cathedral for a funeral service. AP

The flag-draped casket is moved from the hearse at the Washington National Cathedral for a funeral service. AP

A funeral service is held for Bob Dole at the Washington National Cathedral. Reuters

US President Joe Biden greets Elizabeth Dole as she arrives at the funeral for her husband at the Washington National Cathedral. AP

US President Joe Biden greets former president Bill Clinton at the funeral. EPA

US President Joe Biden, the first lady, Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and the second gentleman, Doug Emhoff, attend the funeral service. AFP

US President Joe Biden passes by the casket. AP

US President Joe Biden speaks during the funeral service. AP

Former US vice presidents Dan Quayle and Dick Cheney attend the funeral service. Reuters

Former US vice president Mike Pence speaks with Transport Secretary Pete Buttigieg at the Washington National Cathedral. AFP

US senators Ted Cruz and Amy Klobuchar attend the funeral service. Mr Cruz was the only attendee not wearing a mask. AFP

A wreath is set at the base of the Kansas monument at the World War II Monument before the service. EPA

A wreath is set at the base of the Kansas monument at the World War II Monument. EPA

A monitor showing a photo of Bob Dole is seen near the Washington Monument before a tribute ceremony at the World War II Memorial in Washington. EPA

US actor Tom Hanks spoke at the memorial to honour Bob Dole. Photo: Screengrab from MSNBC coverage

Bob Dole was honoured on Friday at the Washington National Cathedral as US leaders gathered to pay tribute to the long-time Kansas senator’s ability to practise bare-knuckle politics without losing an overriding sense of civility.

Dole’s flag-draped casket was carried in by a military honour guard as the congregation stood and Dole’s wife, former North Carolina senator Elizabeth Dole, and daughter, Robin, looked on.

Joining top leaders of Congress at the invitation-only ceremony included President Joe Biden, members of his Cabinet and former Republican vice presidents Mike Pence, Dick Cheney and Dan Quayle. Bill Clinton, who beat Dole to win re-election as president in 1996, was also in attendance.

“There’s something that connects that past and present, war time and peace, then and now. The courage, the grit, the goodness and the grace of Bob Dole,” said Mr Biden, who touched Dole’s casket before speaking and mentioned his “50 years of friendship” with the long-time senator.

Mr Biden called Dole a “giant of our time and of all time”, and added that Dole was worried at the end of his life about American democracy being threatened by today’s bitter political battles — even noting that infighting from both parties “grows more unacceptable day by day".

Dole, who died on Sunday at age 98, was wounded during the Second World War, served nearly 36 years in Congress and was a Republican Senate leader for more than a decade. In February, he announced he had been diagnosed with stage-four lung cancer.

Dole’s casket was then taken to the World War II Memorial on the National Mall where a public “celebration of life” featured Tom Hanks, Gen Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the US Army Band.

Hanks delivered a warm tribute to Dole at the memorial.

"To appreciate the life and the accomplishments of Bob Dole, simply look around and where we have gathered today at this national memorial to the Americans who gave their lives for the common good and the common cause of saving the world from tyrants," said Hanks.

Besides his sharp, often sarcastic tongue, among Dole’s best-known attributes were his pragmatic brand of politics and self-deprecating wit — representing the sense of compromise of a bygone era.

Mr Biden delivered a vivid, visceral eulogy, pointing to how Dole had volunteered for military service and being gravely wounded.

“God, what courage Bob Dole had,” Mr Biden said, and added that, “I found Bob to be a man of principle, pragmatism and enormous integrity” who the president said was devoted to “country, to honour - literally dedicated to finding the common good".

The former senator's body will travel to Kansas, where weekend events include a public viewing at St Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in his hometown of Russell. He will later be interred at Arlington National Cemetery.

Friday’s services followed Dole lying in state on Thursday under the dome of the US Capitol he so loved.

Among those paying respects was Mr Quayle, who at one point touched Dole’s casket and said: “Bye, buddy.”