President Joe Biden preached a message of unity during his eulogy for former Sen. Bob Dole on Friday.

Biden was joined at the service at the Washington National Cathedral by a bipartisan group of prominent politicians, including former President Bill Clinton and former Vice President Mike Pence.

BIDEN AND BOB DOLE, FELLOW CREATURES OF THE SENATE

"Too many of us have sacrificed too much in defending that freedom from foreign adversaries to allow our democracy to crumble under a state of infighting that grows more unacceptable by the day," Biden read from Dole's final column, published in USA Today on Nov. 23.

Bob Dole
A military honor guard carries the flag-draped casket of former Sen. Bob Dole of Kansas, from the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Friday, Dec. 10, 2021, where he had lied in state on Thursday and over night. (Roberto Schmidt/Pool via AP) Roberto Schmidt/AP

Biden talked passionately about Dole, describing him as a "giant of history" and a good friend whom he genuinely respected. He emphasized the need to keep Dole's spirit alive by working to see the other side.

"He's sitting back now watching us. Now it's our job to start standing up for what's right for America," Biden said.

Bob Dole
President Joe Biden walks to speak during the funeral of former Sen. Bob Dole of Kansas, at the Washington National Cathedral, Friday, Dec. 10, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) Jacquelyn Martin/AP


Biden touted Dole's bravery during World War II and his accomplishments in Congress, particularly on civil rights.

"I found Bob to be a man of principle, pragmatism, and enormous integrity," Biden said. "The Bible tells us, 'To whom much is given, much is expected.' And Bob Dole, for all his hardship, believed he was given the greatest gift of all: he was an American."

Bob Dole
Justice Elena Kagan, left, Chief Justice John Roberts, and Justice Stephen Breyer pay their respects as the flag-draped casket of former Sen. Bob Dole, R-Kan., lies in state in the U.S. Capitol on Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Alex Brandon/AP

Dole's funeral marked a rare moment of unity in Washington as leaders from both parties honored him.

Bob Dole
From left, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of Calif., Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of N.Y., Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky., and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy of Calif., watch as the casket of former Sen. Bob Dole, R-Kan., is carried down the East steps of Capitol Hill in Washington, Friday, Dec. 10, 2021, where Dole was lying in state. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) Susan Walsh/AP


Clinton, who stood next to Pence at the funeral, defeated Dole in the 1996 presidential election but said he considered him a "dear friend."

Bob Dole
Former President Bill Clinton arrives to attend the funeral of former Sen. Bob Dole of Kansas, at the Washington National Cathedral, Friday, Dec. 10, 2021, in Washington. Before Clinton are from left, former Vice President's Dan Quayle, Dick Cheney and Mike Pence (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) Jacquelyn Martin/AP


Biden talked about how Dole was willing to cross party lines despite being a "proud Republican," joking about how Dole once voted to preserve federal funding for Amtrak to keep Biden out of Congress at night.


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Dole died at the age of 98 on Sunday. He served eight years in the House and over 27 years in the Senate, including as Senate majority leader.

The funeral at the National Cathedral marks the second day of tributes to Dole, following the ceremony on Capitol Hill honoring him Thursday. Dole's body will travel to Kansas for weekend ceremonies, after which he will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery.