A look at history of Capitol funeral honors
WASHINGTON — Congress is reserving one of the nation’s greatest distinctions for the Rev. Billy Graham, selecting him to lie in honor in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda Wednesday and Thursday.
America’s most famous evangelist died this past Wednesday at his home in North Carolina at age 99.
The Rotunda has long been considered the most suitable place for the nation to pay final tribute to its most eminent citizens. Among those who have lain in state or in honor in the Rotunda are 12 former presidents, including Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy, former military commanders Douglas MacArthur, George Dewey and John Pershing, and civil-rights icon Rosa Parks.
A look at some of the history:
■ What’s the difference between “lying in state” and “lying in honor”?
The Senate Historical Office explains that there are no hard and fast rules on this, but “lying in state” ceremonies are usually reserved for deceased presidents and other elected officials. “Lying in honor” has become the phrase used to describe ceremonies for those who didn’t serve in elected office. Some of those include two former U.S. Capitol police officers who died in the line of duty in 1998, and Rosa Parks in 2005.
■ Who decides which Americans receive the honor?
Either Congress can pass a resolution or congressional leadership can give the approval after consulting with survivors.
In Graham’s case, Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced the ceremony after conferring with Graham’s son, the Rev. Franklin Graham.
■ Why was the Rev. Billy Graham chosen for the honor?
Ryan explained in his announcement that Graham forever changed the course of the world’s spiritual health. He served as an adviser to 12 consecutive U.S. presidents and reached millions through radio, television and film. Graham also was greatly admired by many of the millions of evangelical Christians who associate themselves with conservative policies and the Republican Party. “I bet those lines are going to be long and beautiful, because he deserves it,” President Donald Trump said of Graham’s funeral at a gathering of conservative activists Friday.
■ Ceremonial ties to Lincoln
A platform hastily constructed to support the casket of Abraham Lincoln while the president’s body lay in state has been preserved and is used to hold the coffins of others at the Capitol Rotunda. When not in use, the platform, or catafalque, is kept in a specially constructed display area in the Capitol Visitor Center. The catafalque is a simple base of rough pine boards nailed together and covered with black cloth.