President Trump and congressional leaders praised Billy Graham as America’s pastor during a private ceremony at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday as the preacher lay in honor.
Graham, an evangelical preacher who spoke to millions in his lifetime, died Feb. 21 at age 99. His casket was placed in the center of the Capitol Rotunda for the crowded morning ceremony attended by members of Congress, the Cabinet, the president and Vice President Pence. The Rotunda was opened for public viewing afterward.
Throughout the 30-minute ceremony, the president and first lady Melania Trump sat next to the Graham family.
The president called Graham an “ambassador for Christ,” who changed America and the world. He recalled how his father, Fred Trump, was a fan and brought the family to see Graham speak at Yankee Stadium.
“It was something very special,” the president said. “Americans came in droves to hear that great young preacher. Fred Trump was a big fan.”
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., touted Graham as a leading American religious figure.
“He ministered to all walks, from some of the greats whose statues line this very hall — Eisenhower, King, Ford and Reagan — to everyday citizens lining up to pay their respects,” Ryan said. “His message never diminished. That love was so infectious, wasn’t it? The man had such a gift for connecting with people.”
Graham’s wooden casket was carried into the packed but silent Rotunda by military pallbearers just after 11 a.m. It was placed on a wood catafalque, the same one used for Abraham Lincoln and others who have been honored at the Capitol.
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