What we know about the late Sen. Lindsey Graham’s funeral plans
Details Emerge Regarding Senator Lindsey Graham’s Memorial Services
Activelifezero.com – Next week, the nation will pay tribute to the former Republican senator, Lindsey Graham, through a series of solemn ceremonies spanning two days. These events will feature a distinguished gathering at the United States Capitol alongside a personal tribute from President Donald Trump. On Tuesday, Darline Graham, the sister of the late South Carolina senator who was appointed to complete his remaining term, revealed that the schedule includes a Washington, DC, observance on July 28 and a South Carolina service on July 29.
The late legislator passed away earlier this month at seventy-one years old due to an aortic dissection, which is a tear within the artery, according to initial results released by the Washington, DC, medical examiner. The first day of honors will commence at the Capitol, focusing on both his military background and his extensive political career. Members of the Armed Forces Body Bearer Team will transport his casket inside the Capitol building to recognize his time serving in the Air Force. Once inside, that military unit will be succeeded by a US Capitol Police memorial guard, symbolizing his years as a member of the Senate.
Capitol and Cathedral Observances
A special ceremony is set to take place within the Capitol Rotunda, as confirmed by Senate Majority Leader John Thune. Thune expressed deep admiration for the late senator, highlighting his multifaceted contributions to public life. In a statement, Thune noted,
“For so many of us in the Senate and the House, myself included, Lindsey was more than a colleague, he was a friend.”
He continued by reflecting on Graham’s journey from the military to state politics and his decades of representation for South Carolinians. Thune added,
“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.”
Following 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 a tribute during this event. Although the late senator was once a vocal critic of the president, their relationship evolved over time until Graham became one of Trump’s most steadfast allies on Capitol Hill. Speaking with CNN’s Jake Tapper shortly after learning of Graham’s passing, the president shared his sentiments.
“What a terrible loss it is,”
Trump remarked.
“He’s a great politician. He was a natural. Very few of them. He was a natural politician. Got along with everybody.”
South Carolina Procession and Burial
After the Washington service, the senator’s remains will be transported to South Carolina for a funeral in Columbia the following day. The July 29 celebrations will open with a procession at the state house, where the South Carolina State Guard caisson detachment will carry his remains. The event will include a dramatic flyover by F-16 fighter jets before the casket is moved to the First Baptist Church of Columbia for the main service.
The two-day series of events will wrap up with a private interment in Pickens County. Graham never married and did not have any children of his own. He played a significant role in raising his sister, Darline Graham, after their parents passed away, and he eventually adopted her. Darline Graham, whose current appointment extends through January 2027, announced on Monday that she intends to seek a full Senate term in the upcoming November election. President Trump had previously encouraged her to consider running for her late brother’s seat, promising his
“complete and total endorsement”
should she decide to enter the race.
