Prior to his funeral March 2 in Charlotte, North Carolina, the Rev. Billy Graham’s remains lay in honor in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda for two days, where thousands of visitors streamed in to pay their respects. An SAF member, Conklyn’s Florist in nearby Alexandria, Virginia, designed the floral arrangements that flanked the iconic pastor’s coffin.
A committee from the U.S. Senate wished to honor Graham’s long history of counseling the country’s presidents and other government officials, and asked Conklyn’s to create a patriotic display. Conklyn’s designers made three large wreaths on easels — symbolic of the three branches of government — in red, white and blue flowers.
“A friend in the Senate referred us,” said Conklyn’s President David Hicks. “It’s a rare opportunity to be part of a moment in history. It was awesome.”