WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, North Carolina Senators Thom Tillis and Ted Budd alongside the entire North Carolina congressional delegation applauded the dedication of a statue in the U.S. Capitol in honor of the Reverend William Franklin “Billy” Graham, Jr.
Reverend Graham replaced Governor Charles Aycock in the U.S. Capitol on behalf of North Carolina.
Senators Tillis and Budd have worked with the entire North Carolina congressional delegation, including Representatives Patrick McHenry, Virginia Foxx, Richard Hudson, Dan Bishop, Don Davis, David Rouzer, Valerie Foushee, Greg Murphy, Jeff Jackson, Chuck Edwards, Kathy Manning, Alma Adams, Deborah Ross, and Wiley Nickel.
“There is no North Carolinian more deserving of being honored in our nation’s Capitol than the Reverend Billy Graham,” said Senator Tillis. “Reverend Graham was blessed by God with the gift to bridge differences and bring us all together. He understood how God’s word could change hearts, helped us live up to our highest ideals, and North Carolina is proud to call him a native son.”
“This is a day almost a decade in the making,” said Senator Budd. “As we honor the memory of Rev. Billy Graham in the U.S. Capitol, let us never forget the Bible he preached, the souls that were saved, and the lives that were transformed – enough lives to affect the course of nations. It is our hope that as we lawmakers and visitors pass by the statue of Billy Graham, that we are reminded of his ministry and what he preached. That each one of us, with the power of His Spirit in a transformed life, that we have the power to love one another, and the power to make America – and the world – a better place.”
“Reverend Billy Graham will always be remembered as North Carolina’s Favorite Son,” said Representative Richard Hudson. “He was God’s faithful servant, dedicating his life to preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His simple message of grace and forgiveness provided hope to countless people around the world. May his legacy inspire visitors to the U.S. Capitol forever.”
“Reverend Graham was a humble servant of God who spread the Gospel to millions around the world,” said Representative Patrick McHenry. “One of the highlights of my service in Congress was when I had the honor of visiting with Reverend Graham at his home in Montreat. He is truly one of the finest men North Carolina has ever produced and I can think of no tribute more fitting than for him to represent our state in Statuary Hall. I’m proud to have played a role in making that happen.”
“It was a privilege to join my colleagues in the North Carolina congressional delegation to help honor one of Western North Carolina’s most beloved residents, Billy Graham,” said Representative Chuck Edwards. “Billy Graham has touched the lives of millions of people from North Carolina to all across the globe through not only his sermons but how he lived his life as one of the most influential Christian leaders of the 20th century. Now, the life and legacy of Billy Graham will continue to be commemorated and taught in an honored place among the giants here in the U.S. Capitol.”
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