by Wayne Ohio | Dec 6, 2021 | Blog
COLUMBUS, OH, Dec. 5, 2021 — Today Governor Mike DeWine issued the following statement on the death of former U.S. Senator Bob Dole.
“We just heard that our friend, former U.S. Senator Bob Dole, has died. A few weeks ago, Fran and I received a surprise call from Elizabeth and him. When I entered the Senate, he was the Senate Leader. He was a courageous, tough, strong, and compassionate man, who loved his country deeply.
“He was grievously wounded in Italy during World War II and was lucky to have survived those devastating injuries at all. He was bedridden — his body wracked by pain. He could hardly even move.
“But, he knew that we have to work if we’re going to succeed. And, he worked. He worked through the pain and the rebuilding — and he became one of America’s most important leaders in of the last half-century.
“Even after he left the Senate, he never stopped working. He led the efforts to see to it that the brave men and women who fought so valiantly for our nation during WWII are honored with a national memorial. He turned the plans for that memorial into a reality. I have talked to WWII veterans who made the ‘honor flight’ to Washington to visit the memorial, who were both surprised and delighted to be greeted there by Bob Dole, himself!
“When he was running for President, Fran and I have a very fond memory campaigning with Senator Dole and Elizabeth on the campaign bus with our young daughter Anna and the Oak Ridge Boys. It was an amazing experience that we will never forget.
“Bob Dole was all about making a difference and changing things for the better. He had a ‘let’s get it done’ attitude. When we talked to him the last time, he still had that same zest for life and strong spirit that I always saw when I served with him.
“Today, America has lost a hero and a statesman, and Fran and I will dearly miss our friend. Bob Dole was a man of indisputable integrity, honor, and leadership, and I am proud and honored to have had the opportunity to work with and learn from this extraordinary man.
“We send our love to Elizabeth and his daughter Robin.”
by Wayne Ohio | Oct 21, 2021 | Blog
COLUMBUS, OH, October 21, 2021 — Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, First Lady Fran DeWine, and Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) Registrar Charles Norman today unveiled Ohio’s next generation of standard license plates.
The Ohio BMV designed the new “Sunrise in Ohio” license plate with input from Governor and First Lady DeWine, who took inspiration from the Great Seal of Ohio, the state’s diverse landscapes, Ohio’s past and present innovations, and the state’s bold, bright future.
“We wanted Ohio’s new license plate to reflect the heart and soul of our state and to encapsulate where we’ve been, who we are, and where we’re going,” said Governor DeWine. “The imagery on our new license plate symbolizes what makes Ohio beautiful, unique, and extraordinary.”
“Growing up and living in Ohio throughout our entire lives, Mike and I love the Ohio story,” said Ohio First Lady Fran DeWine. “With the new license plate, we wanted to feature Ohio’s beauty, talent, and rich history, while emphasizing with each new sunrise in Ohio, comes a new day and opportunity forward for an even brighter future.”
The “Sunrise in Ohio” license plate pays tribute to Ohio’s majestic waterways and rolling landscape. A farm field represents Ohio’s strong roots in agriculture, while a skyline represents Ohio’s momentum as a leader in technology and innovation. The airplane symbolizes Ohio’s history as the Birthplace of Aviation, and a child swinging from a tree with a dog nearby symbolizes Ohio’s youth and future generations.
“We are pleased and honored to be able to offer this new license plate to our customers,” said Ohio BMV Registrar Charlie Norman. “We look forward to seeing the “Sunrise in Ohio” plate proudly displayed on our great state’s roadways soon.”
The new plate will be available to drivers online at bmv.ohio.gov and at all local deputy registrar locations beginning on Dec. 29, 2021.
Over the past 20 years, four new standard license plate designs have been introduced, including the “Bicentennial” plate in 2001, the “Sunburst” plate in 2003, the “Beautiful Ohio” plate in 2009, and the “Ohio Pride” plate in 2013.
