There might not be a World War II memorial without Bob Dole

The National World War II Memorial is one of the most popular monuments in Washington, D.C., but it might not have ever been built if it wasn’t for the help of the late Republican Sen. Bob Dole.

Dole, who died Sunday at the age of 98, played an integral role in securing more than $197 million for the construction of the monument, which sits prominently on Washington, D.C.’s National Mall. A veteran himself, Dole was seriously wounded during the war and was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his actions.