A man photographs a makeshift memorial in tribute to former US President George H. W. Bush at a monument in his honor in Houston, Texas, on December 2, 2018. – To commemorate the first former president to die since Gerald Ford in 2006, officials have announced a detailed, four-day schedule of celebratory services and tribute, organized with military precision by the Pentagon task force charged with protecting the US capital. The 41st president died on November 30, 2018, aged 94, at his home in Texas.
Former US president George H.W. Bush will lie in state beginning Monday evening in the Rotunda of the US Capitol for two days of public viewing, congressional leaders announced Saturday.
A first solemn ceremony is scheduled for 5pm (22H00 GMT) Monday, when a military escort brings in the casket bearing the body of the former president, who died Friday in Houston, Texas at the age of 94.
The public will be allowed to pay its respects from Monday at 7:30pm until Wednesday at 7:00am, according to a statement from congressional leaders — the top two Republicans and top two Democrats.
A detailed schedule for the week’s services and commemorations is expected later Saturday.
A funeral service will take place in Washington’s twin-spired National Cathedral, with President Donald Trump and his wife Melania to be present, the White House has confirmed.
Dozens of world leaders and American dignitaries are expected for what will be the fourth state funeral there of a president (following those of Dwight Eisenhower, Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan). The cathedral has also hosted seven presidential memorial services, according to its website.
A statement from a joint military task force supporting events around the state funeral promised a “first-class tribute,” complete with musical units, color guards, honor cordons and body bearers.
The casket will then be flown back to College Station, Texas for Bush’s burial.
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