Graham’s flag-draped casket was carried into the Capitol Rotunda by an Armed Forces Body Bearer Team in recognition of his decades of service in the Air Force and Air Force Reserve. A U.S. Capitol Police memorial guard then assumed position as the late senator lay in state for a private ceremony. Vance was among those expected to deliver remarks during the tribute.
The South Carolina Republican, who died July 11 at age 71 from an aortic dissection, served more than three decades in Congress after earlier stints in the House and state legislature. He was known as a prominent foreign policy voice, frequent traveler to conflict zones, and longtime advocate for strong U.S. support of allies including Israel and Ukraine. At the time of his death he chaired the Senate Budget Committee.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune described the Rotunda honor as fitting, calling Graham more than a colleague to many in both parties. “For so many of us in the Senate and the House, myself included, Lindsey was more than a colleague, he was a friend,” Thune said.
Following the Capitol ceremony, a larger funeral service is scheduled for 2 p.m. at Washington National Cathedral. President Donald Trump is expected to deliver a tribute. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are among the international figures planned to attend, reflecting Graham’s role as a consistent advocate for U.S. engagement abroad. The services remain closed to the public but are being livestreamed.
Graham’s sister, Sen. Darline Graham, who was appointed to complete his term, has helped coordinate the arrangements. After the Washington events, Graham’s remains will travel to South Carolina for additional services Wednesday, including a procession at the State House in Columbia, a public funeral at First Baptist Church, and private burial in Pickens County.
The two days of remembrance mark the formal farewell to a lawmaker whose career spanned military service, legislative deal-making, and high-profile foreign policy advocacy.
