Former Sen. Jesse Helms laid to rest

Nation & World News

Photos from the funeral of former U.S. Sen. Jesse Helms, a North Carolina Republican.

Former U.S. Sen. Jesse Helms, a five-term Republican who never lost a political race, died on the Fourth of July after years of declining health. He was 86.

North Carolina state troopers carry Helms' casket into Hayes Barton Baptist Church in Raleigh, where Helms worshipped for decades and served as a deacon. The conservative icon inspired both love and disdain for his strong views.

Mourners wait outside the Raleigh church for the start of the funeral service Tuesday. As he aged, Helms was slowed by a variety of illnesses, including a bone disorder, prostate cancer and heart problems.

Cindy McCain, wife of Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain, arrives for the service.

Vice President Dick Cheney makes his way to the church.

Sen. Elizabeth Dole (R-N.C.) and her husband, former Sen. Bob Dole, arrive for the service. Elizabeth Dole took Helms' seat when he chose not to seek re-election in 2002.

North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley also attended the service.

Mary Clement of Silver Spring, Md., writes a biblical passage in a memorial book outside the church.

Nembers of the Montagnard Human Rights Organization wait outside the church for the start of the service. The Montagnard tribes are from the highlands of central Vietnam and were recruited by U.S. Special Forces during the Vietnam War to fight alongside American troops. Helms chaired the first congressional hearing on their plight as about 1 million were killed during the war.

Helms' casket is carried from the church.

The hearse leaves Hayes Barton Baptist Church en route to the private burial.

Helms was born in Monroe, N.C., on Oct. 18, 1921. He attended Wingate College and Wake Forest College, but never graduated and went on to serve in the Navy during World War II. "We need more men like Jesse Helms," one Raleigh resident said. "He's an icon -- a Southern gentlemen. He'll be remembered for integrity and truth."

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Former U.S. Sen. Jesse Helms, a five-term Republican who never lost a political race, died on the Fourth of July after years of declining health. He was 86.

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