In Washington, leaders from around the world, including President Donald Trump, are gathering to honor Republican Senator Lindsey Graham. Graham, a prominent figure in Congress from South Carolina, passed away suddenly at the age of 71. A series of funeral events will take place over two days, beginning in Washington and concluding in Graham’s home state.
On Tuesday morning, a team from the armed forces will carry Graham’s casket, acknowledging his service as an Air Force judge advocate general, retiring in 2015 as a colonel. Although Graham will not lie in state, he will receive a ceremonial honor at the Capitol’s rotunda. A private ceremony will take place, with a U.S. Capitol Police guard, highlighting his Senate service. This event will be available via livestream.
“From the military to state politics to decades of representing South Carolinians in Congress, Lindsey dedicated his life to giving back through public service,” stated Senate Majority Leader John Thune.
Following the Capitol tribute, his casket will be taken to Washington National Cathedral for a private funeral at 2 p.m. ET. President Trump is anticipated to speak, along with other government figures and military leaders. Attendees will include international leaders such as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, both of whom have worked closely with Graham on global policy matters.
President Trump is also expected to have separate meetings with Netanyahu and Zelenskyy during the day.
Shortly after Graham’s passing, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster appointed Graham’s sister, Darline Graham, as his interim replacement in the Senate. Darline is preparing for both her brother’s services and the upcoming Senate duties, having announced her candidacy for a full term. The primary election is set for August 11.
Graham’s remains will then be transported to South Carolina. The public can pay their respects at the South Carolina State House on Wednesday morning. His career in state politics started there in 1993. The procession involves a caisson provided by the South Carolina State Guard, supported by law enforcement honors and an F-16 flyover executed by the 169th Fighter Wing.
The caisson will continue to First Baptist Church of Columbia for another funeral service, followed by a private family burial in Pickens County.
Lindsey Graham’s sudden demise on the night of July 11 was due to an aortic rupture stemming from cardiovascular disease. He had recently returned from Ukraine, and his office cited the preliminary cause as “aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease”. Further test results are awaited.
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