What we know about the late Sen. Lindsey Graham’s funeral plans

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Funeral Arrangements Revealed for Senator Lindsey Graham

Family members have unveiled comprehensive details regarding the memorial services planned for the recently deceased Republican senator from South Carolina. The observances will unfold across a two-day period, beginning with ceremonies in the nation’s capital before moving to his home state. President Donald Trump has been invited to deliver remarks during the Washington proceedings, marking a significant moment given the evolving relationship between the two politicians over the years.

Timeline of Events

Darline Graham, the senator’s sibling who received an appointment to complete his remaining time in office, shared the schedule on Tuesday. The initial celebrations are set for July 28 in Washington, DC, while the second day of commemorations will occur on July 29 in South Carolina. The late legislator passed away earlier in the month at seventy-one years old, with preliminary autopsy results indicating an aortic dissection as the cause of death according to officials from the District of Columbia medical examiner’s office.

The opening day’s activities commence at the United States Capitol, where tributes will honor both his military background and his extensive political journey. Members of the Armed Forces Body Bearer Team will transport his casket into the building, symbolizing his distinguished service within the Air Force. Once inside, this military contingent will be succeeded by a memorial guard from the US Capitol Police, representing his tenure as an elected representative in Congress.

Following these proceedings, Senate Majority Leader John Thune announced that a special ceremony will be held within the Capitol Rotunda. In a prepared statement, Thune expressed his personal connection to the departed colleague:

“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 noting Graham’s lifelong commitment to public service, spanning from military duty through state-level politics and decades of congressional representation for South Carolina residents.

Washington Cathedral Service and Presidential Tribute

After the Capitol events, Graham’s remains will travel to the Washington National Cathedral for a funeral service scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. Eastern Time. President Trump is expected to attend and offer his own remembrance of the senator. Despite having been a vocal critic of the president at various points in their careers, Graham eventually emerged as one of Trump’s most steadfast supporters on Capitol Hill.

Speaking with CNN’s Jake Tapper shortly after learning of Graham’s passing, the president characterized the situation as

“What a terrible loss it is.”

He praised Graham’s political abilities, describing him as

“a great politician. He was a natural. Very few of them. He was a natural politician. Got along with everybody.”

South Carolina Observances and Final Resting Place

Following the Washington ceremony, Graham’s body will be transported to South Carolina for additional services in Columbia on July 29. The day’s activities will commence with a procession at the state capitol building, where a caisson detachment from the South Carolina State Guard will carry his remains. A military aircraft flyover featuring an F-16 will precede the transportation of his casket to the First Baptist Church of Columbia for the main service.

Both days of public commemorations will conclude with a private interment ceremony located in Pickens County. Throughout his life, Graham remained unmarried and did not have biological children. He played a significant role in raising his sister Darline following the passing of their parents and eventually formally adopted her into his family.

Darline Graham, whose temporary appointment extends through January 2027, announced on Monday her intention to seek election to a full Senate term during the November elections. The president had previously encouraged her candidacy for her brother’s former seat, promising

“complete and total endorsement”

should she decide to enter the race.

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