COLUMBIA, S.C. — On Thursday, April 11, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution by Sens. Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott honoring Hollings' 38 years of service to the nation.
The full text reads:
Whereas the Honorable Ernest F. Hollings was born in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1922 and graduated from The Citadel and the University of South Carolina School of Law;
Whereas the Honorable Ernest F. Hollings served his country during World War II as an artillery officer in the Army, earning a Bronze Star;
Whereas the Honorable Ernest F. Hollings was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives in 1949;
Whereas the Honorable Ernest F. Hollings was elected Governor of South Carolina in 1959 and oversaw the establishment of the nationally recognized South Carolina Technical College System;
Whereas the Honorable Ernest F. Hollings served South Carolina with devotion and dedication in the United States Senate for 38 years;
Whereas the Honorable Ernest F. Hollings served the Senate as Chairman of the Committee on the Budget and Chairman of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation;
Whereas the Honorable Ernest F. Hollings fought tirelessly to combat hunger in the United States and was a strong advocate for a robust national defense;
Whereas the Honorable Ernest F. Hollings championed fiscal restraint throughout his career and was the unheralded force behind the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (2 U.S.C. 900 et seq.);
Whereas the Honorable Ernest F. Hollings was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather;
Whereas the service of the Honorable Ernest F. Hollings on behalf of the people of South Carolina and all people of the United States earned him the respect and devotion of his colleagues; and
Whereas the death of the Honorable Ernest F. Hollings has deprived South Carolina and the United States of one of the most outstanding Senators: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That—
(1) the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of the Honorable Ernest F. Hollings, former Senator for the State of South Carolina; and
(2) the Secretary of the Senate communicate this resolution to the House of Representatives and transmit an enrolled copy thereof to the family of the Honorable Ernest F. Hollings.
South Carolina politicians have been expressing their respect for the former statesman on social media.
Senator Tim Scott said "A native of Charleston, Fritz was in its truest definition -- a Southern Gentleman. His legacy -- incomparable."
And South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson tweeted:
The former South Carolina Governor and United States Senator will lie in state at the South Carolina State House from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Monday, April 15. The viewing will be open to the public throughout the day and all who are able are encouraged to visit the State House to pay their respects to Sen. Hollings and his family.
At 10:00 a.m., an honor guard consisting of members of the S.C. Highway Patrol and the S.C. National Guard will escort Senator Hollings’ casket to the second floor lobby of the State House via the outdoor steps on the south side of the State House.
At 10:30 a.m., those wishing to pay their respects may enter the State House through the public entrance on the north side and proceed to the second floor where Senator Hollings’ casket will be placed.
The event will also be streamed live at www.scetv.org/RememberingHollings.
The State House will close to the public at 5 p.m., after which, the honor guard will escort the casket down the south steps to the hearse.
