The late Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) will be remembered in a series of funeral services spanning Washington, D.C., and his home state next week, according to details released Tuesday by his sister's office. The events mark the final farewell to a lawmaker who served 31 years in the Senate.
A spokesperson for Graham's office had previously announced that memorials would occur on July 28 in the capital, followed by South Carolina services on July 29. The D.C. proceedings will begin with an arrival ceremony at the U.S. Capitol, honoring his three decades of legislative service, and culminate in a funeral at the Washington National Cathedral. President Trump is scheduled to deliver a tribute during that service.
Graham's remains will be transported to South Carolina on the evening of July 28, setting the stage for memorials the next day. The South Carolina events will feature a law enforcement procession, an F-16 flyover from the 169th Fighter Wing at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, and a church service. Following the service, a private family burial will take place in Pickens County.
Governor Henry McMaster (R) appointed Darline Graham, the senator's sister, to fill the remainder of his term after his death earlier this month. She announced Monday that she would seek a full six-year term, a decision she said was encouraged by President Trump. This move comes amid a reshaped political landscape, with Graham's death influencing policy debates on issues like Ukraine and Iran.
In a statement released alongside the funeral details, Darline Graham expressed gratitude: “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.”
The memorials come as Trump pushes to expand a Russia sanctions bill to include Iran, an effort that honors Graham's legacy. Meanwhile, the late senator's death has reshaped Ukraine policy, with Trump urged to act on Iran and Taiwan. The funeral details also highlight the continuity of Graham's influence, as his sister steps into the political arena with Trump's backing.
The D.C. service will be a bipartisan affair, reflecting Graham's cross-party relationships, including his vote that sealed Elena Kagan's Supreme Court confirmation. The events are expected to draw current and former lawmakers, as well as national security figures, underscoring Graham's role as a key voice on defense and foreign policy.
