CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Thousands of people have signed an online petition calling for a national holiday in honor of the late Rev. Billy Graham.
[Thousands from around the world gather for Rev. Graham's 'last crusade']
The Change.org petition, started seven days ago by user Kyle Siler, had more than 60,000 signatures as of Monday morning, and is addressed to President Donald Trump, as well as senators Thom Tillis, Richard Burr and Jerry Tillman.
In the petition’s description, Graham’s lasting impact on people all over the world is highlighted:
"Lets get a National Holiday for Billy Graham!! Mr. Graham preached the Gospel to more people in live audiences than anyone else in history—nearly 215 million people in more than 185 countries and territories—through various meetings, including Mission World and Global Mission. Hundreds of millions more have been reached through television, video, film, and webcasts. Mr. Graham's counsel was sought by presidents, and his appeal in both the secular and religious arenas is evidenced by the wide range of groups that have honored him, including numerous honorary doctorates from many institutions in the U.S. and abroad. Help us with our cause of setting a national holiday to remember this great man."
Graham was laid to rest Friday next to his beloved wife, Ruth, at the library that bears his name in west Charlotte. Thousands came to pay their final respects, including President Donald Trump and other dignitaries from around the world.
MORE REV. BILLY GRAHAM COVERAGE:
- FINAL HOMECOMING: Rev. Billy Graham returns home greeted by family, well-wishers
- SPECIAL SECTION: The life and death of Rev. Billy Graham
- LINK: OBITUARY FOR REV. BILLY GRAHAM
- Rev. Graham selected John 14:6 to be placed on his grave marker
- Family spokesman details funeral arrangements for Rev. Billy Graham
- Rev. Billy Graham's grandsons to serve as pallbearers
- Rev. Billy Graham tore down walls of division through biblical message
- Reaction to Rev. Billy Graham's passing pours in from around the world
- Rev. Billy Graham, known as 'America's Pastor,' dies at 99
- Local leaders recall fond memories of the Rev. Billy Graham
- Rev. Billy Graham's processional route: Best places to watch
- Rare honor reserved for Graham at the Capitol
- Life-changing sermon in South Korea drew man to Rev. Billy Graham's seminary
- PHOTOS: Billy Graham through the years
- US may never see another spiritual leader like Billy Graham
- PHOTOS: Billy Graham was counselor to presidents
- Rev. Graham helped make religion popular, says Davidson professor
- 4 things to know about Billy Graham
- IMAGES: Church where Billy Graham held first sermons
- Celebrities, politicians react to Billy Graham's death
- Followers from Montreat to Charlotte remember the Rev. Graham
- Rev. Billy Graham's family members reflect on their time spent with him
- Where was the Rev. Billy Graham's first sermon?
- Duke professor calls meetings with Rev. Billy Graham a 'mountaintop experience'
- Jean Graham Ford on Billy Graham: 'He's always been a big brother hero'
- Rev. Graham leaves lasting impression with Samaritan's Purse
- Leaders express admiration, sadness for Billy Graham
- IMAGES: Scenes from Billy Graham 95th birthday celebration in Asheville
- PHOTO TIMELINE: Billy Graham life, important dates
- PHOTOS: The influence of Rev. Billy Graham
- PHOTOS: Rev. Billy Graham at presidential inaugurations over the years
- Billy Graham quotes: He made Christian principles accessible to millions
Cox Media Group