America lost a true statesman in the passing of Lindsey Graham, and I lost a good friend. Through his service in the military, the United States Senate, and in his own personal life, Lindsey showed what it means to be an upstanding man. He always led with faith, family, and South Carolina first.
Lindsey came from humble beginnings. He was born into a working-class family and suffered tragedy at an early age. When he was in his early 20s, his mother died of cancer, and just 15 months later, his father died of a heart attack. In these trying times, Lindsey raised his 13-year-old sister and later adopted her so she could receive his medical benefits.
It is that same sense of duty and sacrifice that led Lindsey Graham to public service. He wanted to help people and make sure nobody felt invisible. Through his office’s casework and his work on the Senate floor, Lindsey fought to help those who couldn’t help themselves. No matter where he was, Lindsey was always looking for people who felt like they were not seen. That is the mark of a true statesman.
His statesmanship was defined by his commitment to the people of South Carolina, and it cannot be stated enough. Lindsey knew that we work for our bosses: the people of South Carolina. We should serve them, not lead them. Lindsey took that approach to his job every single day, and it is that fighting attitude that cemented his legacy as a champion for American safety and security. He wanted every American to be safe wherever they were in the world, and he leaned into his beliefs because he knew he had a responsibility and an opportunity from God to make a difference.
There is nobody I can think of more committed to public service than Lindsey Graham, and his military service was evidence of that. Through his time in the Air Force, South Carolina Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve, Lindsey displayed what true patriotism and love of country look like. He spent his life in public service because he loved America and felt like his story was not possible anywhere else.
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Much like Lindsey, my story was not possible anywhere else, but when I joined the South Carolina Senate family, Lindsey was one of the first to welcome me with open arms. He knew my path was different, but he also understood the power of change in South Carolina. From that moment onward, I knew that I not only had a colleague whom I could trust, but I also had made a lifelong friend.
Throughout our friendship, I greatly enjoyed his levity and wit. Lindsey knew how to make you laugh all while making a brilliant point. One of my favorite moments in our friendship came when I started my annual South Carolina prayer breakfast, which starts at 8:30 AM. I called Lindsey and told him, and he said, “I’m not coming even if Jesus comes back before 10 a.m.” But in true Lindsey Graham fashion, at 8:31 a.m. on the day of the prayer breakfast, the door opened and there stood Lindsey Graham. Through his public service and personal life, Lindsey always put others first.
South Carolina will never fill the hole in our state’s heart that is left by the passing of my dear friend, Lindsey Graham, but we will carry his legacy and his commitment to protecting every American forward. America will never forget his service, his sacrifice, and his love for our country. I will miss my friend greatly, but I know he cemented his legacy in the American story.
