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Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
World News

US politicians bestow rare honour on Billy Graham

The US evangelist's coffin will be placed in the dome-covered central rotunda of the iconic United States Capitol government building for two days.

Graham, who died on Wednesday, will become only the fourth person to lie in honour at the rotunda since the tribute began 20 years ago for two police officers who died while on duty.

Politicians from both chambers of the US Congress - the Senate and the House of Representatives - will attend a service marking the arrival of Graham's body next Wednesday.

The idea of having Graham's body lie in honour at the rotunda was put to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association by the House of Representatives speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

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In a statement, Mr Ryan said: "Members of the public and Capitol Hill community are invited to pay their respects to the late reverend while he lies in rest."

Graham met every single US President inaugurated since the Second World War. He worked especially closely with Lyndon Johnson and Richard Nixon.

Every living current and former US President is being invited to attend Graham's funeral at the Graham family home in Charlotte, North Carolina next Friday.

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