He is being immortalized.
In a reverent gathering that transcended political divisions, religious leaders and policymakers from all sides assembled to pay homage to the late evangelist Billy Graham. The occasion marked the unveiling of a striking sculpture in honor of the renowned North Carolinian at the U.S. Capitol.
Amidst the solemnity, a diverse array of attendees, numbering in the hundreds, bore witness to the private ceremony introducing the towering 7-foot statue. Destined to join the esteemed National Statuary Hall Collection, the sculpture will find its place in the Crypt, just one level beneath the iconic Rotunda, where countless visitors embark on tours of the Capitol.
Distinguished figures, including U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson and Graham’s own son, Rev. Franklin Graham, graced the event with their heartfelt speeches. Accompanied by the stirring melodies of Grammy-winning Christian musician Michael W. Smith, the ceremony resonated with reverence and gratitude for Graham’s profound impact.
Speaker Johnson, reflecting on Graham’s unparalleled role as a global ambassador for faith, underscored the historic significance of the moment. He noted the rarity of individuals bestowed with the highest honors within the Capitol, a distinction shared by only a select few throughout history.
Franklin Graham, himself a prominent evangelist, humbly acknowledged his father’s discomfort with such accolades, emphasizing Billy Graham’s steadfast focus on his spiritual mission. Despite this, the Graham family expressed profound gratitude for the recognition, viewing it as a testament to their patriarch’s unwavering devotion to spreading the message of Christ.
The transition of Graham’s statue into Statuary Hall symbolizes more than a mere artistic addition; it represents a profound shift in representation for North Carolina. Outgoing Governor Roy Cooper highlighted this transition, noting the significance of replacing a figure from a painful past with one that embodies the values of faith, unity, and redemption.
Cooper’s words echoed the sentiment that Graham’s legacy transcends partisan divides, emphasizing the evangelist’s commitment to humility, compassion, and inclusivity. He called upon public servants to emulate Graham’s example, urging them to prioritize service to country over personal ambition.
In honoring Billy Graham, both in statue and spirit, the ceremony served as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of faith, unity, and service to others—a legacy worthy of emulation for generations to come.