The Rotunda of the United States Capitol has long been considered the most suitable place for the nation to pay final tribute to its most eminent citizens. When the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) is notified that a ceremony will occur, our team begins fabricating a wooden catafalque — a stand to hold the casket. Ceremonial stanchions are cleaned and polished, the floors of the Rotunda are buffed and waxed, stone entrances to the U.S. Capitol Building are power washed, and lamps and other lighting is checked.

The evening before the ceremony, which is hosted by congressional leadership, the AOC installs ceremonial stanchions, chairs, podium and media risers. A viewing queue is established and staffed within the Capitol Visitor Center and tables with condolence books put in place. Electrical and sound requirements are met and tested – including microphones on the podium and event lighting.

Once the casket arrives at the U.S. Capitol, the AOC works with care behind the scenes to ensure the ceremony is successful and seamless to the attendees and the viewing public. Following the formal ceremony, the AOC rearranges the Rotunda to provide the public with an opportunity to pay their respects. After the public viewing concludes and the casket is removed from the Rotunda, the AOC reopens the building for public tours.

Lying in Honor (for prominent citizens) or Lying in State (for military or government officials) are historic events and, for many, an important part of the grieving process following the loss of a person who made a significant impact on the country.

It is an incredible honor to prepare the Rotunda for this momentous occasion and know the eyes of the nation and the world will be upon us. We are proud to be a part of history.

Comments

Rev. Billy Graham, the beloved pastor of the world, is now in his heavenly home and was welcomed by his Lord and Savor Jesus Christ. It is only fitting that he has received such an honor to lie in state in the US Capital Rotunda. My prayers are with his family and all Americans who loved him.

Good- bye Billy , what a long glorious walk you took, bringing so many to Christ along the way. God is so pleased with the work you did here on earth , you have earned your rewards. Be seeing you one day, when we will walk and talk together. God bless you and your family always'

The Architect's Office did a wonderful job, as the ceremony was a beautiful tribute and everything looked very good. It was nice of Congress to honor Rev. Graham in this manner and the presentations certainly speak to the spiritual basis of our country. Nice job by all and thank you from this grateful American.

I'm thankful and pleased that his country saw fit to honor Billy Graham in this remarkable way. He lived his long life to always honor and glorify the Lord Jesus Christ. I am certain his Lord gave him a great welcome to heaven. Earth is lessened by his passing, but heaven is increased.

Add new comment

The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly.

Plain text

  • No HTML tags allowed.
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.
  • Web page addresses and email addresses turn into links automatically.

Our Stories

Recent Articles

Programs & Events

It Takes a Village To Prepare the People's Tree

A team of employees from the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) work seamlessly and tirelessly to ensure that the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is ready to spread holiday cheer to visitors from all over the country and around the world.
Programs & Events

Christmas in July in Wonderful West Virginia

To most, July in Washington, D.C., means hot weather and Independence Day celebrations. At the Architect of the Capitol it also means it's time to go Christmas tree hunting!