Funeral Ceremonies for Senator Lindsey Graham Begin

Funeral services for the late Senator Lindsey Graham are unfolding over two days, with notable figures like President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in attendance.

This morning, an arrival ceremony took place at the U.S. Capitol, featuring a brief and private gathering in the Rotunda. Military personnel transported Graham’s casket, which was draped in an American flag, to the location.

At the opening ceremony, remarks were delivered by Vice President JD Vance, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.), and Representative Sheri Biggs (R-S.C.).

“It’s hard to process that we’re here saying goodbye to Lindsey for the last time at the Capitol,” Thune expressed. “I feel his absence deeply—it’s something many of my colleagues surely experience as well.”

He also mentioned, “Lindsey had friends across the aisle. Both Republicans and Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), are here to pay their respects,” nodding toward Schumer who was seated nearby.

Vance reflected that Graham “cherished people from all backgrounds,” suggesting that this stemmed from his upbringing where he didn’t have everything handed to him.

“He genuinely cared about individuals and was interested in their stories,” Vance noted. “In the Senate, you could expect him to greet everyone warmly, treating the server and his colleagues alike. This speaks to his character.”

The collective, including Vance, Thune, Biggs, Representative Joe Wilson (R-S.C.), and Schumer, will commemorate Graham by presenting wreaths.

Musical tributes are on the agenda as well, featuring the U.S. Army Brass Quintet and the Air Force’s Singing Sergeants chorus.

Following this program, a private funeral service will be held at Washington National Cathedral at 2:00 p.m. ET, where President Trump is anticipated to honor Graham.

Trump is reportedly scheduled for closed-door discussions with Zelensky and Netanyahu before paying tribute to Graham, who passed away unexpectedly while returning from a trip to Ukraine.

After these ceremonies conclude in Washington D.C., Graham’s remains will be taken to South Carolina for further services.

In light of these events, several streets in the capital will be closed, remaining so into Wednesday.

Graham’s tenure in politics included eight years in the House of Representatives followed by 23 years in the Senate. He was 71 years old at the time of his passing.