Former President George H. W. Bush arrived at the Capitol Rotunda in a flag-covered casket on Monday afternoon. The 41st president of the United States, Bush died Friday at age 94.
After being flown from Houston, Bush’s casket arrived at the Capitol, where he will lie in state until Wednesday when his funeral will take place at the National Cathedral in Washington. A Marine Corps band played as he was carried up the steps toward the Rotunda, where the public will be able to visit after Monday’s ceremony.
Former President George W. Bush, the late president’s oldest son, and other family members were in attendance, along with members of Congress including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis.
“Here lies a great man,” Ryan said at the ceremony. “To the Bush family, on behalf of the whole House, Republicans and Democrats, we are profoundly sorry for your loss, and we are honored to celebrate this wonderful life with you.”
Vice President Mike Pence, also in attendance, said Bush “set the standard” for vice presidents when he served under former President Ronald Reagan. President Trump will pay a customary visit to Bush’s casket after the ceremony.
