The Washington National Cathedral hosted a bipartisan memorial service on November 9, 2023, to honor the life of former Vice President Dick Cheney, who passed away on November 3 at the age of 84. The service brought together prominent political figures from both parties, marking a significant moment of respect for a leader whose legacy remains deeply polarizing.
Notably absent from the gathering was former President Donald Trump, who did not receive an invitation. Trump has maintained a public silence regarding Cheney’s death, despite their complicated relationship. The event featured tributes from notable attendees including former President George W. Bush, who delivered the eulogy, and President Joe Biden, who has previously described Cheney as “the most dangerous vice president we’ve had probably in American history.” Yet, in this moment, Biden acknowledged Cheney’s commitment to family and values.
As the service began, attendees included former Vice Presidents Kamala Harris and Mike Pence, along with Al Gore and Dan Quayle. The gathering underscored a rare moment of unity across the political spectrum, with Biden greeting Republican Senator Mitch McConnell and his wife, former Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was also present, reflecting the diverse political backgrounds of those honoring Cheney.
The memorial service featured remarks from Cheney’s daughter, Liz Cheney, who has faced significant challenges within the Republican Party, particularly due to her opposition to Trump. She was joined by notable figures such as Cheney’s longtime cardiologist, Jonathan Reiner, and former NBC News correspondent Pete Williams, who served as Cheney’s spokesman at the Pentagon. Tributes also came from Cheney’s grandchildren. Hundreds of guests were expected to attend the service, emphasizing the impact of Cheney’s career.
Cheney’s passing was marked by a lowering of flags at the White House, a gesture in keeping with protocol for notable figures. Nevertheless, Trump did not issue the customary presidential proclamation that often accompanies such events and has refrained from publicly commenting on Cheney’s death.
Cheney had a storied career marked by significant influence during the George W. Bush administration. He was a key architect of the U.S. invasion of Iraq based on intelligence that later proved to be flawed. His support for controversial surveillance measures and detention practices in the wake of the September 11 attacks shaped national security policy during a tumultuous era. In contrast, critics argue that his decisions had tragic consequences.
Following the 2020 election, Liz Cheney served as vice chair of the Democratic-led committee investigating the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. She has publicly accused Trump of inciting the violence, a stance that ultimately cost her the leadership position within the Republican Party and led to her defeat in the 2022 Wyoming primary.
In a campaign commercial made for his daughter, Dick Cheney famously labeled Trump a “coward” for his actions surrounding the 2020 election. Tensions between the two escalated when Trump criticized Liz Cheney for her support of Harris in the presidential election, claiming that Dick Cheney was responsible for the deaths of numerous people in the Middle East.
As the nation reflects on Cheney’s legacy, the memorial service at Washington National Cathedral served as a poignant reminder of the complexities of his life and the enduring impact of his political career.
