“Mad Dogs and Englishmen”
I have to admit that “photo detail” with Senator Dole at the WWII Memorial is an endurance event. He can stand in the hot sun and shake hands for half the day. He’s jostled, grabbed, poked, prodded and maintains a composure that is I guess what you’d have to call almost Presidential. He’ll make a joke about the “almost presidential!” Anyway… I received this note today and wanted you all to know that the camera crew is grateful for your all putting Joe up to this letter. As my friend and wonderful photographer Charlie Tasnadi used to say just before big White House events: “Stevie….it’s time to clean our lenses and sharpen our elbows!” We’ll see you on Saturday.
Here’s a note from Joe Collins.
Sir:
I had the opportunity to visit the WWII Memorial this past Saturday (6/21) with my Mother, and to my surprise we ran into Bob Dole. Sen. Dole took photographs for hours with everyone at the Memorial, and he did it in such a kind way. I was amazed at his endurance, and more importantly, his patience. He seemed genuinely happy to be there mingling with the visitors. At the time, I had no idea why he was there, nor did I know why he had such a pleasant associate with him assisting the visitors with the photo capturing.
It wasn’t until tonight when I typed in “Bob Dole, June 21, 2008, WWII Memorial” into Google and came upon your website, and through a link on your site, I discovered Honor Flight as well. Needless to say, it’s been over 3 hours and I am still looking at the photos and reading your blog, as well as viewing the website of Honor Flight. I’ve learned so
much about the Memorial and the events associated with Honor Flight due to your site (to include answering my question about the identity and the role played by Seth, as well as the answer to my question regarding why there was a newly married couple strolling around there…).
With that being said, please advise Seth (and Marian, although I didn’t get a chance to see her at the time) that without volunteers like them, who display patience, great dispositions, and a willingness to volunteer, it would be a madhouse trying to get photos taken with Sen. Dole. I’ve never been someone who was interested in fighting crowds to get my picture taken with a public figure or a celebrity, but Seth couldn’t have been more accommodating. I’m convinced he and Sen. Dole would have been willing to stand there in the sun until every visitor was happy and had a chance to either shake Sen. Dole’s hand or get a photo with him. Fortunately Sen. Dole took a photo with my Mom, and due to Seth’s insistence, I took one with my Mom and Sen. Dole as well. It was the highlight of our day in DC
I’m now making a donation to Honor Flight, as well as purchasing your book…..