Franklin Graham Tells Newsmax: Statue of Father with Open Bible is Fitting

A statue commemorating the late Rev. Billy Graham was revealed at the U.S. Capitol on Thursday by House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., alongside members of Graham’s family, including his son Franklin Graham.

Johnson and Franklin Graham shared with Newsmax in an exclusive interview on “The Record With Greta Van Susteren” that it was their first time seeing the 7-foot-tall bronze sculpture. Each state receives two statues to honor their historical figures, one of which is now dedicated to Graham in National Statuary Hall.

Franklin Graham expressed his gratitude for the depiction of his father holding an open Bible in the statue.

“I admire that he’s portrayed holding the word of God,” said Franklin Graham, who leads the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse. “My father always carried the Bible to the pulpit with him, symbolizing the authority of scripture.”

Johnson, a devoutly religious individual, admitted feeling nervous about speaking at the dedication ceremony.

“I was really nervous, especially since I was handed his study Bible right before the ceremony,” Johnson shared. “Holding his Bible with his notes was a surreal moment for me.”

At the dedication, Johnson read a passage from Galatians 6:14 from Billy Graham’s study Bible, which happened to be the last planned sermon Graham was going to preach.

Billy Graham, who passed away at 99 in 2018, was a renowned Christian evangelist, having preached to millions worldwide. He had close relationships with several U.S. presidents and left a lasting impact on both the political and spiritual realms.

Franklin Graham mentioned that his father wanted “Preacher of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ” on his tombstone, a sentiment reflected in the sculpture.

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