The late Sen. Lindsey Graham returned to the Capitol a final time Tuesday morning for a congressional tribute surrounded by his family, colleagues, staff and members of the Trump administration.
The South Carolina Republican’s casket sat at the center of the Capitol Rotunda, underneath the Apotheosis of Washington fresco 180 feet above. Wrapped in an American flag, the casket sat atop a replica of the Lincoln catafalque, a historic platform featuring black fabric draped in pleats.
An Armed Forces Body Bearer Team carried his remains into the Rotunda, a gesture to mark his years of service in the Air Force, and remained under memorial guard as a nod to his more than two decades in the Senate. Graham, 71, died unexpectedly earlier this month.
“It’s difficult to believe that we’re here today to say a final farewell to Lindsey as he leaves the Capitol for the last time,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said during the ceremony. “My heart is heavy. I feel his absence every day.”
In the front row sat his sister and successor, Sen. Darline Graham, R-S.C., surrounded by other members of his family. To their right sat Thune, Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y., and Vice President JD Vance, along with a handful of Cabinet members.
