President Donald Trump and a bevy of other prominent Republicans paid their tributes to Rev. Billy Graham both on social media and in person on Wednesday.
Graham, who died at the age of 99, was a prominent evangelist preacher whose life touched millions of Americans, a fact exemplified by the president's decision to allow Graham to became only the fourth private citizen to lie in honor at the U.S. Capitol.
Trump eulogized the fallen preacher in a televised address at the Capitol on Wednesday. Trump stated that Graham's legacy of preaching the gospel, both at home and in 185 countries abroad, was one that would not soon be extinguished.
"In London, Tokyo, Seoul, Bogata, Moscow, New Delhi, Saigon, Johannesburg, and scores of other places all over the world, Reverend Graham shared the power of God's word with more than 200 million people in person and countless others through television and radio, where people loved to watch and listen," Trump said. "Billy Graham carried his message around the world, but his heart, as [his son] Franklin will tell you, was always in America."
Today, in the center of this great Chamber lies Billy Graham – an Ambassador for Christ who reminded the world of the power of prayer and the gift of God’s grace. pic.twitter.com/5aMh8nFPJW
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 28, 2018
Vice President Mike Pence was also on hand to pay his respects.
Karen and I join @POTUS & @FLOTUS to honor the life and legacy of the great Reverend Billy Graham as he lies in honor in the United States Capitol Rotunda. Watch live: https://t.co/xeZKO3J8eX
— Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) February 28, 2018
Republicans from Congress and across the country ventured to the rotunda to commemorate Graham's legacy.
I’m waiting in Capitol Rotunda to pay respects to Rev. Billy Graham whose service to God saved more souls than any since Jesus.
— Steve King (@SteveKingIA) February 28, 2018
Billy Graham was America’s pastor, but he also inspired millions around the world through his faith. Today, I was proud to join my colleagues in paying tribute to this great man in the Capitol Rotunda. pic.twitter.com/QDjgfxnoUm
— Tom Cotton (@SenTomCotton) February 28, 2018
America remembers the Reverend @BillyGraham as he lies in honor in our nation’s Capitol...A man whose consistent & unapologetic love for Jesus Christ was appreciated & respected by leaders around the world..He positively changed the course of history and his voice will be missed pic.twitter.com/CTn84Hz9hJ
— Matt Bevin (@MattBevin) February 28, 2018
2 Timothy 4:7 says "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." Billy Graham and his legacy of ministry to others embodied this verse.
Praise the Lord for Reverend Graham’s life—a life truly well lived. He will be deeply missed. pic.twitter.com/Q9dLcD46FR
— Mark Meadows (@RepMarkMeadows) February 28, 2018
Graham will lie in honor at the Capitol from Wednesday to Thursday.