Senator Lindsey Graham's funeral services have begun in Washington, with President Donald Trump, congressional colleagues, and world leaders in attendance to honor the late senator's legacy. Graham, who died at 71, will be remembered for his influential role in US foreign policy and defense.
Washington Pays Tribute to Sen. Lindsey Graham
A special ceremony was held at the Capitol, where Graham's American flag-draped casket arrived, carried by an armed forces body bearer team. The ceremony was attended by Senate colleagues, past and present, Cabinet members, and Graham's family and staffers, including former Sens. Rob Portman, Richard Burr, Jeff Flake, Pat Toomey, and Kelly Ayotte.
Vice President JD Vance, who served with Graham in the Senate, paid tribute to the late senator, saying, "Lindsey Graham loved people from all walks of life. ... He was fascinated in the waitstaff in the Senate dining room. He was fascinated in the people who made the food. He was fascinated in the lowest staffer who had been hired three days earlier," highlighting Graham's ability to connect with people from all backgrounds.
Funeral Services and Tributes
A funeral service will be held at the Washington National Cathedral, which will be livestreamed, and will feature remarks from President Trump, Cabinet officials, and global leaders, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Graham's sister and successor, Sen. Darline Graham, will also be in attendance.
The ceremonies will continue at the South Carolina State House on Wednesday morning, with a funeral service open to the public at First Baptist Church of Columbia, followed by a private family burial in Pickens County, where Graham was born and raised.
Legacy of Sen. Lindsey Graham
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., remembered Graham as a "towering figure" in the Senate and on the international stage, saying, "Lindsey was a senator and a statesman," and noting that he will be deeply missed. Graham's legacy in US foreign policy and defense will be honored through these ceremonies, and his impact will be remembered for years to come.
As the nation says goodbye to Sen. Lindsey Graham, readers can watch for further tributes and reflections on his life and legacy in the coming days, including the August 11 primary, where his sister, Sen. Darline Graham, plans to run for a full term in his seat.
