Ginsburg, who died last Friday from complications from metastatic pancreatic cancer, will become the first woman to lie in the state on the U.S. Capitol on Friday, according to congressional historians. You will also be the first Jew to receive this honor.
Ginsburg joins Rosa Parks, John Lewis and Abraham Lincoln as those who have been honored in the state or honored on the Capitol.
Lying in the state (to government officials and military officers) and lying to honor (to ordinary citizens) is when someone’s remains are placed in the US Capitol Building in Washington, DC, to allow the public to express their respect. This honor is considered one of the highest degrees of honor.
Since the practice began in 1852, 38 people – including Ginsburg – have been honored, including 12 presidents.
Here are some other historical firsts.
Elijah Cummings
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and other members of Congress spoke in honor of Comming’s, a longtime Maryland Democrat. In her remarks, Pelosi referred to Cummings as “our North Star, our guide to a better future for our children.”
John Lewis
The ceremony for the late Civil Rights Symbol and Congressman took place on July 27-28.
After the concert in the rotunda, open-air public viewing began as a precaution. But neither the virus nor the warm weather prevented crowds from lining up for a chance to pay their respects to Louis’ coffin. Lines leading to the Capitol extended several blocks all the way to the Supreme Court Building.
Daniel Inoue
Inoue was a World War II veteran who received the Medal of Honor and represented Hawaii in the Senate for five decades. He remains the second longest serving senator in the chamber’s history.
Former President Barack Obama described Inoue as a “true American hero.”
Inoue was of Japanese descent and served in a US Army unit made up of Japanese Americans. His battalion was the most decorated unit of World War II.
Rosa Gardens
The ceremony was attended by former President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush.
Officer Jacob Chestnut
Capitol Police Officer Jacob Castat was the first black American to be honored after he was killed on duty in 1998. A gunman opened fire at the Capitol Building, killing two officers: Chestnut and Detective John Gibson. Both men were honored by becoming the first private citizens to be honored on the Capitol, according to congressional historians.
Abraham Lincoln
The catafalque, a decorative wooden frame to hold the sarcophagus, was built to Lincoln. Since 1865, most services have been used in the Katavalki Lincoln Round Hall, according to congressional historians.
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