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Bob Dole repeatedly has said he wanted the Dole Institute of Politics to be about public service, not about him.

But after touring the building for the first time Sunday afternoon, the former senator said he thought his life -- which is chronicled in the institute's exhibits -- could teach some lessons to future generations.

"It does tell a story that with a lot of help and a good family and a lot of spirit, you can do about anything you want in America, even with a disability," he said.

Dole arrived in Lawrence to participate in three days of events surrounding the building's dedication, which is at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday.

He attended a private reception for donors, a news conference and a dance with music from the Glenn Miller Orchestra. He also spent time with 60 to 70 family members who are in Lawrence for the dedication.

Meanwhile, one of the top dignitaries planning to be at the dedication told Kansas University officials Sunday he would not attend.

Former President Gerald Ford, who was to arrive today, called Richard Norton Smith, the institute's director, Sunday afternoon to cancel his appearance. Ford recently turned 90.

"He said he doesn't feel up to coming," said Todd Cohen, a KU spokesman. "He called to give his regrets. He said he really wanted to be here."

Cohen said other dignitaries, including former President Jimmy Carter, former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, NBC news anchor Tom Brokaw, and Condoleezza Rice, national security adviser, still will be attending as planned.

Former U.S. Sen. Bob Dole acknowledges World War II veterans in a brief speech at the Lawrence Holidome during an evening of dancing to the Glenn Miller Orchestra. Dole visited the Dole Institute of Politics on the Kansas University campus for the first time Sunday.

All except Rice will be in Lawrence today. Rice arrives Tuesday.

First tour

Dole said his first trip through the institute, which also houses his political papers, was an emotional one.

"The first thing I saw was a picture of the house I grew up in," he said as he exited the institute for the first time. "I guess you always reflect on the past and move ahead."

He said the institute was a "magnificent building" that he hoped would inspire future generations of political leaders.

Bob Dole shakes hands with Larry Hall of Emporia, left, after touring the political institute bearing his name. Dole greeted well-wishers and signed autographs Sunday before heading to other events associated with the Dole Institute's dedication.

"I hope it's not going to be about me, because I'm not going to be around forever," he said. "I'm humbled by it. We talked about this before it started, and I want to make sure it wasn't about me, that it was bipartisan, that it was about public policy and that we got most of the money from the private sector."

Dole said he hoped the main lesson visitors would take from the institute would be "political civility."

"The titles and the chance to run for president, that's all very exciting and wonderful," he said. "But when it's all over it doesn't make any difference except, ‘Did I help anybody on the way through?'"

Though Dole said the institute wasn't intended to be a monument to himself, his wife, Sen. Elizabeth Dole, R-North Carolina, said she was bursting with pride for her husband.

"Bob is being modest, but it's a tribute to a great man," Elizabeth Dole said. "As you look at Bob's life, there's a common thread that goes through an uncommon life, and that's leadership, whether it's on the battlefield or on the senate floor.... I'm just darn proud of this guy of mine."

Impromptu meeting

Video reports • 6News video: Institute spurs memories in visitors • 6News video: Dole takes first steps in his institute • 6News video: Veterans speak at Memory Tent • 6News video: Interfaith service starts off Sunday events • 6News video: History comes alive at re-enactors' camp • 6News video: Discussion brings back wartime memories of KU • 6News video: Dole has high hopes for building's future Photo galleries • Sunday event photos • More photos from Sunday Articles • Dole 'humbled' by tribute • D-Day chaplain salutes vets for sacrifices • Memory Tent swells with drama • Memory Tent stories expand war experience • Dual dances recall war days • Medal of Honor recipients take stage today • No second-guessing as ‘KU Goes to War' • Re-enactors bring back memories • Uniform fits fine 58 years later • Noncombat veterans have own stock of stories • C-SPAN to broadcast live today from institute • Schedule of events • More stories about the institute

Dole touched down about 4 p.m. Sunday at Lawrence Municipal Airport, then drove directly to the Dole Institute for a half-hour tour.

After emerging from the building, his handlers directed him to a motorcade, but he spotted a crowd of people along Crestline Drive hoping to catch a glimpse of the former senator.

"Can I go up there and meet with them?" Dole asked. "Just pull the car around and pick me up."

Among those getting autographs was Adam Wagner of Lawrence. Adam's seventh birthday is today, just a day before Dole's 80th birthday.

Adam's father, Scott Wagner, said meeting the crowd was a sign of Dole's character.

"He walked up here so he could see people," Wagner said. "He didn't have to do that -- it's so hot out. It shows you what a great person he is, a great Kansan."

Dole also attended an invitation-only reception for from 15 to 20 donors and KU staff members at the institute at 6 p.m.

In a speech there, he emphasized the need for young people to be involved in politics. He also praised former President Carter, who will arrive in Lawrence today, and heralded him as a model for how presidents should act after leaving the White House.

Trademark humor

Though he spent much of the day reflecting on the institute and the veterans gathered for the festivities, Dole was able to interject his well-known humor into the day's events.

When asked about the papers he allowed in the collection, he said: "I didn't hold back anything, I don't think. So I'm getting nervous myself."

On whether he wishes he had a more private life: "It's OK with me. It's when they stop knowing you that you get nervous."

As he stood on the podium at the dance with the Glenn Miller Orchestra at the Lawrence Holidome, 200 McDonald Drive, Dole asked veterans to raise their hands, and thanked them for their service.

When he recognized Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan., he said, "Roberts was from World War I."

But he quickly returned to his tribute to the "Greatest Generation."

"When it's all said and done, we live in a free country ... because of those men and women who served," he said. "Because of that we can come here and have a lot of fun, speak our mind, make a political charge, have meetings and do whatever we want. We're the greatest country on the face of the earth."