Tributes Pour in for Sen. Lindsey Graham Following His Passing
WASHINGTON — World leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, gathered on Tuesday to honor the memory of Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a pivotal figure in Congress who passed away unexpectedly this month at the age of 71.
Funeral Services Begin in Washington
The two-day memorial commenced on Tuesday in Washington, continuing on Wednesday in Graham’s home state of South Carolina, where he served in Congress for over three decades.
Military Honors for a Legacy of Service
In a poignant tribute to his military background, Graham’s casket will be conveyed by a military mortuary team. He served as an Air Force Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer and retired from the Air Force Reserve in 2015 with the rank of colonel.
Capitol Ceremony to Celebrate His Contributions
A special ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda will showcase Graham’s notable achievements. After the military team, a memorial guard from the U.S. Capitol Police will honor his tenure in the Senate. Although the ceremony will be held privately, it will be livestreamed to the public.
A Life Dedicated to Public Service
Senate Majority Leader John Thune praised Graham’s unwavering commitment to public service. “From the military to state politics to decades of representing South Carolinians in Congress, Lindsey dedicated his life to serving our community,” he stated. “It’s only fitting that we honor him during this final farewell.”
High-Profile Attendees and International Leaders
Among the speakers at the funeral will be President Trump, who regarded Graham as family. Other attendees will include ministers, military leaders, and world figures such as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, with whom Graham closely collaborated on defense and foreign policy matters.
Continuing the Graham Legacy
Shortly after Graham’s death, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster appointed his sister, Darling Graham, to complete his remaining six-month Senate term. Darling announced her campaign for a full six-year term, balancing the tasks of honoring her brother’s legacy and preparing for the upcoming primary election on August 11.
Final Journey to South Carolina
Following the Washington services, Graham’s casket will return to South Carolina, marking a significant moment in his lifetime of public service. The public will have the opportunity to pay their respects as the procession passes through the statehouse in Columbia, where Graham’s political career began in 1993.
A Fitting Farewell
Graham’s casket will be transported in a horse-drawn caisson, complemented by a military honor guard presentation from various law enforcement agencies across South Carolina at the state Capitol. Scheduled military flyovers will further commemorate his lasting legacy. The funeral at the First Baptist Church in Columbia will be followed by a private family burial in Pickens County, where both Lindsey and Darling grew up.
Remembering a Public Servant
Lindsey Graham passed away on the night of July 11 after emergency services responded to a cardiac arrest at his home near the U.S. Capitol. Just prior to his death, he had returned from a trip to Kiev, where he met with President Zelensky and was set to appear on NBC News’ “Meet the Press” the following morning. Preliminary reports attribute his death to an aortic dissection due to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, though further test results are pending.
