Trump, Ryan to honor Billy Graham at US Capitol

President Trump, Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) will honor the late evangelist Billy Graham at the Capitol Rotunda Wednesday as the legendary preacher lies in honor this week.

The president, first lady Melania Trump and the two congressional leaders will participate in a ceremony at the Capitol Wednesday morning alongside Vice President Pence and his wife, Karen Pence. Wednesday’s service is open to members of the House and Senate, as well as Graham’s family and invited guests.

Trump is also scheduled to attend Graham’s funeral, held this Friday, in Charlotte, N.C.

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Graham is the first person to lie in honor in the Capitol since civil rights legend Rosa Parks in 2005. He died last week at the age of 99 after decades of advising presidents and preaching to hundreds of millions of followers worldwide.

“Beyond his achievements as a preacher and counselor to presidents, Rev. Graham will be remembered as a devoted husband to the late Ruth Bell Graham and a loving family man. The whole House sends its condolences to the Graham family at this time of loss,” Ryan said in a statement last week.

McConnell added in his own statement that the Southern Baptist minister became “one of the world’s most trusted men” due to his willingness to preach to all followers, regardless of wealth.

“Billy Graham became one of the world’s most trusted men by preaching God’s mercy to the rich and poor alike,” the Senate leader said.

“His kindly manner and unpretentious nature made him a trusted confidant to twelve U.S. presidents, reassuring generations of Americans that their leaders could count on this humble man of God for counsel and support. By standing right in the middle, Billy Graham could reach everyone.”