Remembering Jesse Helms, Funeral Plans Announced

By Mary Saylor

Published: July 4, 2008

STATEMENT BY EVANGELIST BILLY GRAHAM ON THE DEATH OF SENATOR JESSE HELMS
Montreat, N.C., July 4, 2008 - “Jesse Helms, my friend and long-time senator from my home state of North Carolina, was a man of consistent conviction to conservative ideals and courage to faithfully serve God and country based on principle, not popularity or politics.

In the tradition of Presidents Jefferson, Adams and Monroe — who also passed on July 4th — it is fitting that such a patriot who fought for free markets and free people would die on Independence Day. As we celebrate the birth of our nation, I thank God for the blessings we enjoy, which Senator Helms worked so hard to preserve.

Over three decades in the United States Congress, Senator Helms was a loyal and effective leader on behalf of our State, with whom I connected during times of national crisis. He was the first person to call me when President Reagan was shot, even before it was reported as news.

Senator Helm’s wife, Dot; their three children; and seven grandchildren are in my thoughts and prayers as they honor his legendary life and extraordinary legacy.”

STATEMENT BY FRANKLIN GRAHAM ON THE DEATH OF JESSE HELMS
TIMISOARA, Romania, July 4, 2008 - “Jesse Helms was a great American.  He was a friend, not only to Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, but a personal friend to me.  As a life-long resident of North Carolina, I was proud to call him my senator for 30 years.  He was greatly loved and will be deeply missed.

“I remember his courageous speech at the first Christian summit on HIV/AIDS, Prescription for Hope, held by Samaritan’s Purse in Washington, D.C., in 2002.  Sen. Helms said he was sorry for opposing federal funding and for not doing enough for those suffering.  Soon after, he used his remaining time in office to push for the largest funding for HIV/AIDS in our government’s history.  He was a man of compassion, sincere moral conviction and a strong Christian.

“Although I am currently thousands of miles away in Romania, my heart and prayers are with the Helms family and their loss of a great husband, father and grandfather.”

Franklin Graham is president and CEO of international Christian relief organization Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.  He is in Timisoara, Romania, leading an evangelistic festival.

STATEMENT BY SENATOR JIM DEMINT ON THE DEATH OF JESSE HELMS

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Jim DeMint (R-South Carolina) made the following statement on the death of former U.S. Senator Jesse Helms of North Carolina.

“Jesse Helms spent his life fighting for liberty and freedom, and his fearless courage to stand on principle inspired a generation of conservatives. He was a pivotal leader in helping win the Cold War, a tireless defender of the unborn, and a reformer who held the United Nations accountable.”

“Jesse Helms will always be remembered alongside Ronald Reagan and Barry Goldwater as a hero to conservatives. As we celebrate America’s independence, we also mourn the loss of a great patriot.”

Senator DeMint is chairman of the Senate Steering Committee, which was founded by Jesse Helms in 1974. Helms and a handful of other conservatives created the Steering Committee to provide a forum for senators to discuss and promote conservative policies. He served as Steering Committee Chairman during the 1980’s, and played a key leadership role until his retirement from the Senate in 2003.

STATEMENT FROM GOV. MIKE EASLEY CONCERNING THE PASSING OF FORMER SENATOR
JESSE HELMS

RALEIGH – The following statement was issued today by Gov. Mike Easley on the passing of former U.S. Sen. Jesse Helms:
“Whether you liked his politics or not, he was a national force able to deliver for his constituents.  We last appeared together when the Navy named a submarine after North Carolina at his request.  He certainly didn’t shy from controversy and you always knew what his positions were.  Whether we were working together to stop international drug trafficking or opposing each other on the campaign trail, he was always a gentleman to me.”