What we know about the late Sen. Lindsey Graham’s funeral plans
Memorial Services Scheduled for Senator Lindsey Graham Across Two Days
Washington and South Carolina to Host Honors for Late Politician
Earthguardiansonline.com – Funeral arrangements for the recently deceased Republican senator from South Carolina have been unveiled, with commemorative events planned for the upcoming week. The observances will encompass a two-day period featuring a distinguished ceremony at the United States Capitol alongside a personal tribute from President Donald Trump. Senator Darline Graham, the departed legislator’s sibling who received an appointment to complete the remaining portion of his Senate term, revealed on Tuesday that the gatherings will occur in Washington, DC, on July 28, followed by services in South Carolina on July 29.
Graham passed away earlier in the current month at seventy-one years of age. According to preliminary results released by the Washington, DC, medical examiner’s office, the cause of death was an aortic dissection, which is a tear in the artery wall. The initial day of memorial activities will commence at the Capitol building, paying tribute to both his military background and his extensive political journey. Members of an Armed Forces Body Bearer Team will transport his remains into the Capitol, symbolizing his tenure in the Air Force. Once inside, this team will be succeeded by a US Capitol Police memorial guard, representing his years serving as a senator in the United States Congress.
A special ceremony is planned for the Capitol Rotunda, according to Senate Majority Leader John Thune. The statement from Thune emphasized the personal connections Graham forged with fellow lawmakers.
For so many of us in the Senate and the House, myself included, Lindsey was more than a colleague, he was a friend. From the military to state politics to decades of representing South Carolinians in Congress, Lindsey dedicated his life to giving back through public service. As we say our final goodbyes, it seems fitting for his friends and colleagues to give back to him through this special Capitol honor.
After the Capitol proceedings, Graham’s remains will travel to the Washington National Cathedral for a funeral service scheduled for 2 p.m. Eastern Time. President Trump is expected to deliver remarks during this portion of the ceremonies. Although the late senator had previously been critical of the president, he eventually evolved into one of Trump’s most steadfast supporters on Capitol Hill. Following the news of Graham’s passing, Trump shared his thoughts with CNN’s Jake Tapper.
What a terrible loss it is. He’s a great politician. He was a natural. Very few of them. He was a natural politician. Got along with everybody.
The second day of observances will take place in South Carolina, beginning with a procession at the state capitol building. The South Carolina State Guard caisson detachment will carry Graham’s remains during this procession, which will also feature a flyover by an F-16 fighter jet. Following this, his remains will be transported to the First Baptist Church of Columbia for the funeral service. The entire two-day series of events will conclude with a private interment in Pickens County.
Graham never entered into marriage and did not have any children of his own. He played a significant role in raising his sister, Darline Graham, following the passing of their parents, and eventually formally adopted her. Darline Graham, whose appointed term extends through January 2027, announced on Monday that she intends to seek election to a full Senate term during the November elections. President Trump had previously encouraged her to pursue the seat vacated by her brother, promising his complete and total endorsement should she decide to enter the race.
