Sen. Bob Dole delivered a touching salute to his long-time colleague and fellow World War II veteran Sen. Daniel Inouye as he lay in state in the Capitol Rotunda.

Bob Dole – joined by Elizabeth D, Reid and McConnell – just stepped to Inouye casket, paid his respects w a sharp left-handed salute — Jonathan Martin (@jmartNYT) December 20, 2012

Former Sens. Bob & Elizabeth Dole arrive at Capitol to pay respects to #Inouye pic.twitter.com/FhzBVWcq — Ed Henry (@edhenry) December 20, 2012

Dole, 89, was escorted carefully to the casket by his wife, former North Carolina Sen. Elizabeth Dole, saying, “I wouldn’t want Danny to see me in a wheelchair.” CQ Roll Call has the very touching photo.

"I don't want Danny to see me in a wheelchair." – Sen. Bob Dole saluting the casket of Sen. Daniel Inouye #ABCWorldNews pic.twitter.com/iizQ04Pe — D. (@DerrickLWilson) December 20, 2012

Very moving photo as former Sen Bob Dole pays final respects to Daniel Inouye in Capitol Rotunda. http://t.co/qOqhouyY (thanks @dharapak) — Mark Knoller (@markknoller) December 20, 2012

Bob Dole stood to pay respects to fellow WWII vet Daniel Inouye: "I wouldn't want Danny to see me in a wheelchair." http://t.co/WksHb1gg — Amanda Terkel (@aterkel) December 20, 2012

Dole and Inouye met in an Army hospital as they were both recovering from wounds sustained during the war.

They met at Percy Jones Army Hospital. MT @lindsaywise: Bob Dole salutes casket of Daniel Inouye, http://t.co/nJ5WTgaN” — David Leonhardt (@DLeonhardt) December 21, 2012

Dole and Inouye met together in a military hospital after their wounds. Dole encouraged Inouye to get into politics. — Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) December 20, 2012

With contentious negotiations over the impending fiscal cliff underway nearby, the solemn moment reminded many of a better time.

Don't make men like that anymore. RT @pennstatetom: Bob and Elizabeth Dole pay respects to Sen. Inouye http://t.co/Tcv4rU47 — John A Gans Jr (@johngansjr) December 21, 2012

True statesmen. “@DaviSusan: Witnessed Bob Dole wipe tears & stroke coffin of Sen. Inouye, 2 disabled WWII vets, saying goodbye." — Laura Randall (@laurasimonfl) December 21, 2012