It’s entirely appropriate that former U.S. Sen. Bob Dole should be the first Kansan to earn a spot on the new Kansas Walk of Honor.

On Friday, Dole and his wife, Elizabeth, will be in Topeka to witness the unveiling of a bronze plaque at the southeast corner of the Kansas Statehouse lawn. Plans call for the state to add up to three plaques a year to the Walk of Honor, which is intended to recognize people with significant connections to Kansas who have made notable contributions at the state and national level.

Dole certainly sets the standards for those who will follow him on the Walk of Honor. In addition to his distinguished service in the U.S. Congress, he has been actively involved in a variety of projects and efforts on behalf of U.S. military veterans and Americans with disabilities. Lawrence and Kansas University are especially fortunate to be the home of the Dole Institute of Politics, which is dedicated to advancing Dole’s belief in the value of public service and citizen participation in the nation’s political process.

The Kansas Historical Foundation plans to establish a small committee to oversee and consider nominations for the Walk of Honor. Members of the committee are bound to consider many worthy nominees, but Dole will be a hard act for any of them to follow.