Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Harry Reid memorial to feature political heavyweights, famous musicians

Reid

Stephen Crowley / The New York Times

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, shown in his office on Capitol Hill in Washington in 2014, died on Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2021, in Henderson.

Harry Reid: 1939 -2021

LAS VEGAS - WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2009 -  Senator Harry Reid speaks at the 6th Annual Joint Chambers Luncheon, which brings together the Las Vegas
Asian, Latin and Urban Chambers of Commerce, at Paris Las Vegas Wednesday, July 1, 2009.. LEILA NAVIDI / LAS VEGAS SUN

***Harry Reid Launch slideshow »

The memorial service for former U.S. Sen. Harry Reid on Saturday in Las Vegas will feature remarks from President Joe Biden, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, family officials said today.

The eulogy will be delivered President Barack Obama.

“We are honored to have such a distinguished group paying tribute to Harry’s life and accomplishments,” Reid’s wife, Landra, said in a statement.

“These are not only some of the most consequential leaders of our time – they are also some of Harry’s best friends,” she said. “Harry and our family have always had such love and admiration for each of them and their families. Harry loved every minute of his decades working with these leaders and the incredible things they accomplished together.”

The event at the Smith Center in downtown Las Vegas will also include musical performances by Brandon Flowers of The Killers and singer-songwriter Carole King, in addition to remarks by family and friends.

Landra Reid said Flowers and King were two of her husband’s favorite artists.

“Our family is eternally grateful for Brandon and everything he’s done for Harry and us over the years. And the thought of having Carole King performing in Harry’s honor is a tribute truly beyond words,” she said. “We can’t thank everyone enough for joining us to commemorate Harry and his life.”

Reid, who rose from humbling beginnings in Searchlight to a three-decade career representing Nevada in Congress, died at his home in Henderson on Dec. 28 after a multiyear fight with cancer.

The former senate majority leader will lie in state at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on Jan. 12.