Mourners from around the world gathered Friday under a large white tent in what was described as the "last crusade" for Billy Graham, who was revered as "America's pastor" for more than six decades and counseled almost every US president since Harry Truman.

Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrived shortly after 11 a.m. EST Friday.

According to a news release, Graham will be buried at the Billy Graham Library Prayer Garden next to his wife, Ruth, located at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association in Charlotte.

The Rev. Billy Graham's casket has been brought into a tent filled with mourners to start his funeral service.

The two U.S. leaders made a rare double appearance for the event, but did not speak, instead leaving it to Graham's adult children - all speakers or preachers in their own right - to remember "America's Pastor".

As POTUS walked to the tent where Graham's family and dignitaries were gathered, he was met halfway by a uniformed Army Major. Trump spoke earlier in the week in the Capitol Rotunda where Graham lay in honor.

Anne Graham Lotz channeled her father's powerful manner of preaching, promising that she would dedicate her life to spreading the gospel as he did, saying she believed her father's death was "a shot across the bow from Heaven".

The funeral was a celebration of Graham's life and his calling. They are all friends who sang for Graham at his home in recent years, DeMoss said.

At Billy Graham's Funeral, Daughter Anne Graham Lotz Urges Church, World to 'Wake Up'

Graham while he lay in repose at the Billy Graham Library on Monday and Tuesday of this week.

Among the statements issued by former presidents, one from George H.W. Bush noted Graham's role as an adviser not only to presidents but also to their families.

The pine casket lined with a mattress pad was made by prisoners at Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola.

Trump did not speak at the ceremony honoring Graham, who died February 21 at 99.

Television host Kathie Lee Gifford, musician Ricky Skaggs and evangelist Rick Warren are among those who have come to the tent in Charlotte where the service is being held. "I look forward to death, with great anticipation", Graham told a Newsweek reporter in 2005.

There are gaps between some evangelical teachings and Mr. Trump's agenda - and certainly his conduct - some scholars say, setting up several potential points of conflict between Graham and Mr. Trump.

Billy Graham died last week, he was 99. Graham's favorite hymns. Bill and Gloria Gaither were longtime friends with Graham and performed at many of his crusades over the years.

The funeral planning began a decade ago with Billy Graham himself, and it also reflects his family's desire to capture the feeling of the crusades that made him the world's best-known Protestant preacher of his era. Officials expect about 200 family members to attend the interment, which will be closed to the public and media.

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