Billy Graham National Holiday Petition Gets Overwhelming Support

WHEATON, IL — Just days after his memorial, evangelist and Wheaton College alum Billy Graham is the center of a petition to create a national holiday in his name. The petition, which was posted on change.org, had nearly 80,000 signatures as of Monday evening.

The petition was started by Kyle Siler, whose change.org profile describes him as an "earthmoving contractor" based in North Carolina. Graham lived out his final days in North Carolina and died in Charlotte on Feb. 21 at 99.

In the Billy Graham holiday petition, which seems to appeal directly to Donald Trump, Siler cites Graham's global influence as inspiration for the proposed holiday:

"Hundreds of millions more have been reached through television, video, film, and webcasts. Mr. Graham’s counsel was sought by presidents, and his appeal in both the secular and religious arenas is evidenced by the wide range of groups that have honored him, including numerous honorary doctorates from many institutions in the U.S. and abroad."

He's seeking 150,000 signatures. Of the 80,000 people who have signed so far, many added personal comments about why they support the idea of a Billy Graham national holiday.

One supporter wrote, "A man that has changed millions of lives and has made such an impact on the world deserves a national Holiday."

Another wrote, "This man of God should truly be honored."

The petition drew opposition online from social media users who called Graham "homophobic" and sought a counter petition.

Do you think Billy Graham should get a national holiday in his honor? Let us known in the comments.

>>>Image credit: AP Images/Henny Ray Abrams/Associate Press