Dick Cheney Funeral – Legacy and Ceremony at Washington National Cathedral
More than a thousand dignitaries gathered at the Washington National Cathedral on November 20, 2025, for the state-style funeral of former Vice-President Dick Cheney, who died on Nov. 3 at age 84. The service marked the closing chapter of an influential but controversial public life.
Former President George W. Bush delivered a powerful eulogy, describing Cheney as “solid and rare and reliable,” the kind of vice-president a president “should expect in a second-in-command.”
Liz Cheney’s Tribute: “Defense of the Constitution” Over Party
During the service, Cheney’s daughter Liz Cheney delivered a deeply personal address. She highlighted her father’s belief that “bonds of party must always yield to the single bond we share as Americans,” emphasizing his choice of Constitution over party loyalty.
Liz revealed her father’s final words: “I love you,” spoken to his wife, Lynne, the night before his passing.
Mary Cheney & the Family Presence
Also present was Cheney’s other daughter, Mary Cheney, along with other family members and grandchildren. The gathering underscored the personal dimension of this public farewell—Cheney was remembered as a devoted father and family man, as well as a formidable public figure.
Key Highlights from the Dick Cheney Funeral
The ceremony included military honors and a flag-draped casket carried by service members.
Notable absences: Current President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance were reportedly not invited—underscoring the split between Cheney’s era of Republicanism and today’s MAGA movement.
The funeral served as a moment of reflection on Cheney’s role in shaping post-9/11 policy and the Republican Party’s evolution.
The Legacy of Dick Cheney: Service, Strategy, and Controversy
Mystery and duality defined Cheney’s legacy—while he was praised for devotion to national security and loyalty to his president, his role in the Iraq War and expanded executive powers attracted criticism. The funeral suitably acknowledged both facets.
Why the Dick Cheney Funeral Resonates Now
1. It marks the end of a potent era for the GOP—Cheney represented a style of conservatism now eclipsed by populist currents.
2. The participation of George W. Bush and Liz Cheney signals the enduring influence of institutional conservatism and the party’s internal rifts.
3. As Mary Cheney and the family mourn, the service also reflects how public policy, personal devotion, and historical judgment intertwine in the life of a statesman.
