The Lindsey Graham funeral arrangements are underway, with two days of ceremonies scheduled in Washington, D.C., and South Carolina to honor the longtime Republican senator. The official schedule includes a U.S. Capitol ceremony, a funeral at Washington National Cathedral, a procession through Columbia, a second funeral service, and a private burial in Pickens County.
As of Tuesday, July 28, 2026, Graham’s Washington memorial events are taking place today, while the South Carolina portion of the funeral arrangements is scheduled for Wednesday, July 29. Graham died unexpectedly on July 11 at age 71. Preliminary findings from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Washington identified the cause as an aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
What Are Lindsey Graham’s Funeral Arrangements?
The official Lindsey Graham funeral arrangements span two days and two states. The first day, July 28, is centered in Washington, D.C., where Graham spent more than two decades representing South Carolina in the U.S. Senate.
The second day, July 29, brings the ceremonies to his home state of South Carolina, including events in Columbia and a private burial in Pickens County. Graham’s family has invited members of the public to participate in designated South Carolina events.
Lindsey Graham Funeral Schedule for Tuesday, July 28
Graham’s Washington ceremonies begin with an arrival at the U.S. Capitol. An Armed Forces Body Bearer Team will carry his remains into the Capitol in recognition of his decades of military service in the U.S. Air Force.
Once the casket reaches the Rotunda, a U.S. Capitol Police memorial guard will assume ceremonial duties in recognition of Graham’s long Senate career. A short program honoring his service in the Senate will follow.
The Capitol ceremony is closed to the general public, although the public can watch it via livestream.
Washington National Cathedral Funeral Service
Following the Capitol ceremony, Graham’s remains will be transported to Washington National Cathedral.
The funeral service is scheduled to begin at 2:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, July 28, and the Cathedral lists the event as running until approximately 4:00 p.m. The service itself is invitation-only and is not open for general public attendance.
President Donald Trump is expected to deliver a tribute during the service. Current reports also indicate that prominent international figures, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, are attending the Washington ceremonies.
Can the Public Watch Lindsey Graham’s Washington Funeral?
Yes. Although the Washington National Cathedral service is invitation-only, the Cathedral is providing a livestream for viewers who cannot attend.
The official Cathedral event page confirms that the public can watch the funeral online through its service webpage or YouTube channel.
Washington National Cathedral funeral service page
After the Washington funeral, Graham’s remains are scheduled to travel to South Carolina on Tuesday evening. The departure from Washington and arrival in South Carolina are not public events.
Lindsey Graham Funeral Arrangements in South Carolina
The public portion of the South Carolina ceremonies begins on Wednesday, July 29, with a final visit to the South Carolina State House in Columbia.
The procession is expected to begin at approximately 10:45 a.m. Graham’s remains will be carried by the South Carolina State Guard caisson detachment, and members of the public are invited to pay their respects along the procession route.
The procession will travel from the south side of the State House to the north side using the West Walkway. Law enforcement representatives from across South Carolina are expected to participate in a presentation on the State House’s north steps.
F-16 Flyover Planned in Columbia
An F-16 flyover by the 169th Fighter Wing from McEntire Joint National Guard Base is scheduled for approximately 11:00 a.m. on July 29.
Following the pause at the State House, the caisson will proceed down Main Street toward First Baptist Church of Columbia.
Public Funeral at First Baptist Church of Columbia
A second funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church of Columbia.
The church doors will open at 10:00 a.m., with entrances available at Hampton and Marion streets. The funeral service is scheduled to begin at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 29.
Unlike the Washington National Cathedral service, the Columbia funeral is open to the public. Seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, and no RSVP is required.
Rules for Attending the Columbia Funeral
People planning to attend the First Baptist Church service should be aware of security requirements announced as part of the official arrangements.
A clear-bag policy will be enforced, although small personal items such as wallets and clutches are permitted. Firearms and other weapons are prohibited for all attendees, including people who hold concealed-carry permits or licenses.
Because seating is not reserved and doors open two hours before the noon service, attendees should plan accordingly.
Where Will Lindsey Graham Be Buried?
After the Columbia funeral, Graham’s remains will travel to Pickens County, South Carolina, where his family will hold a private burial.
The burial is not open to the public. Officials have not publicly provided more specific burial-location details in the official funeral schedule.
Why the Funeral Includes Military Honors
The military elements of the Lindsey Graham funeral arrangements reflect his lengthy record of military service as well as his political career.
Before and during his years in elected office, Graham served in the U.S. Air Force and later the reserves as a military lawyer. He ultimately retired as a colonel in 2015 after more than three decades in the reserves.
That background is reflected in the Armed Forces Body Bearer Team at the Capitol, the South Carolina State Guard caisson, and the planned F-16 flyover.
Lindsey Graham Funeral Arrangements at a Glance
Tuesday, July 28, 2026 — Washington, D.C.: Graham’s remains arrive at the U.S. Capitol for a private Rotunda ceremony that is available by livestream. His funeral at Washington National Cathedral begins at 2:00 p.m. ET and is invitation-only. President Trump is scheduled to deliver a tribute. Graham’s remains then travel to South Carolina Tuesday evening.
Wednesday, July 29, 2026 — Columbia and Pickens County: The State House procession begins at approximately 10:45 a.m., followed by an F-16 flyover around 11:00 a.m. The public funeral at First Baptist Church of Columbia begins at 12:00 p.m., followed later by a private family burial in Pickens County.
Latest Update on Lindsey Graham’s Funeral Arrangements
As of the morning of July 28, 2026, the announced two-day schedule remains in place. Today’s Washington events are being followed by memorial ceremonies in South Carolina on Wednesday. The most important distinction for members of the public is that the Capitol and National Cathedral ceremonies are closed to general attendance, while the Columbia procession and First Baptist Church funeral provide opportunities for the public to pay respects.
Because the ceremonies are unfolding in real time, specific timing or security arrangements could still be adjusted by organizers.
Stay updated as Lindsey Graham’s funeral arrangements unfold, and share your thoughts or memories of the longtime South Carolina senator in the comments.