WATCH: Bob Dole lies in state at U.S. Capitol

Congressional leaders from the U. S. House and Senate pay homage to former Senator Bob Dole for his “principled leadership” and “great patriotism” as he lay in state Thursday at the U.S. Capitol.

Watch the ceremony in the player above.

President Joe Biden and others gathered to pay tribute to a “giant of our history” who served the country in war and in politics with pragmatism, self-deprecating wit and a bygone era’s sense of common civility and compromise.

President Joe Biden, a longtime friend, said Dole, the former Republican senator, presidential contender and World War II veteran, should have the final word as he read from his colleague of 25 years’ own plea for the country to come together and find common ground.

The service will be the first of several in Washington commemorating Dole’s life and legacy.

Thursday’s event at the Capitol and Friday’s funeral at the Washington National Cathedral are closed to the public. But Dole’s funeral will be livestreamed at the World War II Memorial on the National Mall, and his motorcade is expected to stop by later at an event with actor Tom Hanks honoring his life and military service before the casket travels to his Kansas hometown and the state capital.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Dole was being honored among the “pantheon of patriots” — his casket placed atop the Lincoln catafalque that has been used since 1865.

Pelosi kissed the hand of Dole’s wife, Elizabeth Dole, and his daughter, Robin, who were seated near Biden, before telling those gathered that Dole’s “principled leadership” was long respected “on both sides of the aisle, both sides of the Capitol.”

Black draperies hung on doorways under the Capitol dome in preparation for the service. About 100 chairs were set up, socially distanced for COVID-19 protocols. A lectern was positioned in a way that the statue of another Kansas statesman, Dwight Eisenhower, would be seen in the background behind the day’s speakers.

Elizabeth Dole appeared to cry as she approached the casket and reached out her hand.

Sen. Mitch McConnell, now the longest-serving Republican Senate leader, lauded former Sen. Bob Dole’s love and sense of humor during the Capitol memorial,  said “the real engine” behind Dole’s longevity was the love he held for his wife, former Sen. Elizabeth Dole, and his daughter, Robin.

Humorously he said, Dole often was taking note of how the older members of Congress lived and joked about mirroring Strom Thurmond’s diet.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who didn’t get to serve with Dole, said, ” To pay tribute to Senator Bob Dole is to honor someone who redefined and elevated what it means to serve country.”