WASHINGTON, D.C. – November 20, 2025 — Today, former Vice President Dick Cheney was remembered at a funeral service. The ceremony took place at the Washington National Cathedral. The powerful Republican leader died on November 3 at the age of 84. His death was caused by complications from pneumonia and heart disease. The funeral brought together many of Washington’s political leaders. It showed a moment of respect across different political parties, even for a very polarizing figure.
A Bipartisan Gathering at Cheney’s Funeral
Former Presidents Honor the Vice President
The most notable attendees were two men who have served as President: George W. Bush and Joe Biden. Mr. Cheney served as Vice President under President Bush for two full terms, from 2001 to 2009. The two men were close political partners. Their presence was a strong sign of their long history together.
Former President Bush also gave a tribute at the service. He called Cheney a “calm and steady presence” during tough times for the country (Source: CBS News). This mainly referred to the time after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Bush said Cheney was a man he counted on for honest and direct advice.
Joe Biden’s Unexpected Attendance
Another key person in attendance was former President Joe Biden. This was significant because Biden and Cheney had often been on opposite sides of political fights. Despite their past disagreements, Biden chose to attend. This showed a sense of duty and respect for the office Mr. Cheney once held. When Cheney died, Biden released a statement. He said Cheney was a man “guided by a strong set of conservative values” and that he knew the importance of family.
The funeral brought together four of the five living former Vice Presidents. This included Kamala Harris, Mike Pence, Al Gore, and Dan Quayle. This wide range of attendees showed a coming together of American political figures to honor Mr. Cheney’s long career in public service.
Liz Cheney and Family Say Goodbye
A Daughter’s Emotional Tribute
One of the most emotional parts of the service was the tribute given by Mr. Cheney’s daughter, former Congresswoman Liz Cheney. Liz Cheney is a well-known political figure herself. She has recently been a strong critic of the direction of the Republican Party.
Liz Cheney spoke about her father’s character and his love for the country. She highlighted his long career, which included being White House Chief of Staff, Secretary of Defense, and Vice President. She said her father taught his children and grandchildren to “love our country, and to live lives of courage, honor, love, kindness, and fly fishing.” Her remarks painted a picture of a devoted family man who also dedicated his life to serving the nation.
The Family’s Statement
When Dick Cheney’s death was announced on November 3, the family released a heartfelt statement. They expressed deep thanks for all he had done for the country. They called him a “noble giant of a man” and expressed how blessed they felt to have loved and been loved by him. His grandchildren also spoke at the funeral, sharing personal memories.
A Notable Absence: The Trump Divide
Uninvited to the Ceremony
One of the major points of news about the Cheney funeral was who was not there. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance were not invited to the service. This highlights the deep disagreement between the Cheney family and the current leadership of the Republican Party.
Dick and Liz Cheney had both become very vocal critics of President Trump. They disagreed strongly with his actions, especially around the 2020 election and the January 6 Capitol attack. In the past few years, the former Vice President even said he would vote for Trump’s opponent in the last presidential election.
President Trump did not make any public statement after Cheney’s death. This lack of comment, along with the lack of an invitation to the funeral, showed the very real split in the modern Republican Party (Source: The Washington Post). The funeral became a display of the “old guard” of the Republican Party, standing together with Democrats to honor a life of service.
Dick Cheney’s Long Legacy
A Powerful and Complex Figure
Dick Cheney was a powerful and, at times, controversial figure in U.S. history. Many historians call his time the most powerful Vice Presidency ever. He played a major role in how the United States responded to 9/11. He was a key force behind the decision to go to war in Iraq.
He was a man who served in the highest levels of government for decades. He was a House Representative for Wyoming and served as Secretary of Defense under the first President Bush. His career showed a lifelong commitment to national security and conservative principles. Even with the disagreements, his funeral was a chance for leaders to put aside politics for a day. It was a time to recognize a life that had a massive impact on the country.
