APRIL 8, 2019 | Former Vice President Joe Biden will deliver the eulogy during the April 16 funeral in Charleston for the late U.S. Sen. Fritz Hollings, the senator’s family announced today. Other speakers will include S.C. Gov. Henry Mcmaster and U.S. Rep. James Clyburn of South Carolina, the third-ranking Democrat in the U.S. House.
The funeral, which is open to the public, will be held 11 a.m. April 16 at Summerall Chapel on the campus of The Citadel where Hollings graduated in 1942 with a bachelor’s degree.
In 2010 during the dedication of a University of South Carolina library bearing Hollings’ name, Biden praised Hollings’ years of service to the nation and state. He recalled how Hollings’ book, The Case Against Hunger: A Demand for a National Policy sparked a national debate on hunger in America and led to national legislation that created the Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants and Children, popularly known as WIC.
“Fritz was the first person on a national political scale talking about how a child cannot learn, a child cannot develop, a child cannot have an even shot at their place in this society, if they don’t have the nutrition when they’re young,” Biden said. “It wasn’t just about hunger. It wasn’t just about poverty, which was critically important. It wasn’t an extension of the New Deal. It was a new idea, a new idea.”
On Saturday, McMaster focused on Hollings’ leadership: “One of South Carolina’s greatest lions roars no more. Fierce, bold, and robust – the sounds of Fritz Hollings’ vision and drive for the Palmetto State will continue to be heard by generations.”
Clyburn said Saturday that the country lost a one-of-a-kind statesman: “Fritz Hollings was an astute politician who was motivated by service. He was truly devoted to advancing the cause of our democracy and bettering the lives all Americans.”
Other speakers also are expected to make remarks at the funeral.
- Visitation: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, April 14, 2019, at James A. McAlister Funerals and Cremation, 1620 Savannah Highway, Charleston, S.C. 29407
- Public observance: Sen. Hollings’ body will lie in state 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday, April 15, 2019, in the South Carolina Statehouse, 1100 Gervais St., Columbia, S.C.
- Funeral: 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 16, 2019, at Summerall Chapel, The Citadel, 171 Moultrie St., Charleston, S.C.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Hollings Cancer Center. Please designate on the memo line in memory of Sen. Hollings and make checks payable to: MUSC Foundation – Hollings Cancer Center, Office of Development, 86 Jonathan Lucas Street, MSC 955, Charleston, S.C., 29425.
Media inquiries: Please contact Andy Brack, 843.670.3996.