The funeral arrangements for the late Senator Lindsey Graham have been announced, with ceremonies planned in Washington, D.C., and in his home state of South Carolina. The respected South Carolina Republican, who passed away on July 11 at 71, will be remembered through various memorials recognizing his long service.
Ceremonies in Washington, D.C.
The funeral at Washington National Cathedral will attract many, including political leaders, potential foreign dignitaries, and colleagues. Graham’s life ended with a tear in his aorta, according to the medical examiner’s preliminary report. An aortic dissection is when a tear occurs in the inner wall of the body’s largest artery, letting blood flow between layers. His office reported he passed away with family and friends around him.
Details About the Services
The funeral will be held on Tuesday, July 28, at 2 p.m. ET at Washington National Cathedral. The event at the cathedral is invite-only, but will be streamed to the public on the cathedral’s website and YouTube. Before the service, Graham’s remains will arrive at the U.S. Capitol, where the Armed Forces Body Bearer Team will escort them, replaced by a U.S. Capitol Police memorial guard inside the Rotunda. This event will also be available via livestream.
Tributes in South Carolina
After the Washington ceremonies, his remains will return to South Carolina for more public tributes starting Wednesday, July 29, at 10:45 a.m. ET. A procession will go to the South Carolina State House and then to the First Baptist Church of Columbia for a public funeral service. The ceremonies will end with a private family burial in Pickens County, where Graham grew up. Doors at the church will open at 10 a.m. ET, and the service will start at noon.
Graham’s sister and Senate successor, Darline Graham, expressed gratitude for the help received in arranging the ceremonies. She thanked the White House, Senate officials, and Washington National Cathedral for coordinating the tributes.
“I am grateful to all those who have come together to help honor and remember Lindsey. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to President Trump and his team, Washington National Cathedral, Senate leadership, First Baptist Church of Columbia, and the Senate Sergeant at Arms for going above and beyond to ensure these will be honorable tributes to Lindsey,” she said.
Attendance and Speakers
High-profile guests are expected to attend. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky plan to participate, showcasing Graham’s strong ties with these leaders and his significant role in foreign policy. A White House official informed Newsweek that President Trump will host both leaders at the White House on Tuesday. Trump and Zelensky will discuss the peace efforts between Russia and Ukraine. With Netanyahu, conversations will focus on Iran, Lebanon, and expanding the Abraham Accords.
President Donald Trump is among the confirmed speakers, set to deliver a tribute at the Washington service. Other speakers include Fox News anchor Sean Hannity and Graham’s niece, Emillie Boggs Roberts.