WASHINGTON (AP) — A bipartisan gathering at Washington National Cathedral on Thursday paid homage to Dick Cheney, the influential and often controversial vice president of the United States. Despite a storied political career that ended with the Obama administration, Cheney's later years were marked by conflict within his own party, particularly surrounding Donald Trump, who was notably absent from the memorial service.
Former Presidents George W. Bush and Joe Biden were both in attendance, highlighting Cheney's complicated legacy. Bush is set to eulogize his former vice president, while Biden, who once characterized Cheney as potentially the most dangerous vice president in American history, now recognizes his commitment to his values and family.
Notably, Cheney's daughter, Liz Cheney, now a former House member affected by the rise of Trump's MAGA movement, will also share her thoughts during the service, reflecting on her father's impact on American politics.
As guests arrived at the cathedral, a blend of current and former political leaders mingled, symbolizing a rare moment of unity amid a polarized political landscape. The event underscores Cheney's broader significance in American history, especially given his advocacy for the Iraq war and support for enhanced security measures following 9/11.
Despite his contributions, his later criticisms of Trump and his daughter's fierce opposition to the former president led to sharp divisions within the Republican Party that reshaped the political future for many of its members.
Cheney, who lived with heart disease for decades, passed away at the age of 84 due to complications resulting from pneumonia and other health issues. His family and numerous dignitaries remember him as a figure who significantly shaped modern governance and security policies.
Attendees of the service expressed a mix of reverence and complexity in their reflections on Cheney's contributions to the United States during one of its most tumultuous eras in history.
