I think one of life's great milestones is when a person can look back and be almost as thankful for the setbacks as for the victories.
Bob DoleRead
Yet when the blood of the sons of immigrants and the grandsons of slaves fell on foreign fields, it was American blood. In it you could not read the ethnic particulars of the soldier who died next to you. He was an American. And when I think of how we learned this lesson, I wonder how we could have unlearned it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the unity of American identity, transcending ethnic backgrounds in times of sacrifice.
In this quote, Bob Dole reflects on the profound realization that the sacrifices made by soldiers, regardless of their diverse ethnic backgrounds, ultimately contribute to a common American identity. He expresses a sense of wonder regarding how society could forget this essential truth, emphasizing the importance of recognizing unity amidst diversity, especially in moments of collective loss.
Themes
AmericanIdentityDiversityUnitySacrifice
In practice
Example use cases
Using this quote in a discussion about patriotism during a memorial event.
More from Bob Dole
All quotes →Sure, losing an election hurts, but I've experienced worse. And at an age when every day is precious, brooding over what might have been is self-defeating. In conceding the 1996 election, I remarked that "tomorrow will be the first time in my life I don't have anything to do." I was wrong. Seventy-two hours after conceding the election, I was swapping wisecracks with David Letterman on his late-night show.
Bob DoleRead
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