Billy Graham, the First Religious Leader to Lay in honor – The United Stated Congress has authorized Billy Graham to lie in honor in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. Graham is the first religious leader to be offered this distinction.

Billy Graham, the First Religious Leader to Lay in Honor

What a great honor for Billy Graham to be the First Religious Leader to Lay in Honor. That does make a big impact!

His body will arrive at the Capitol on Wednesday, February 28, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. ET, and a private ceremony will be held at 11 a.m.

From 1 to 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, February 28, 2018, the public will be welcome to honor Billy Graham in the Capitol Rotunda. For details, refer to information posted by the U.S. Capitol Police.

The late Reverend Billy Graham will lie in honor in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda beginning on Wednesday, February 28, 2018.  Members of the public and Capitol Hill community are invited to pay their respects at the U.S. Capitol.

Following a private arrival ceremony to include The Reverend Graham’s family and Members of Congress, the U.S. Capitol Rotunda will open to the public from 1 p.m. until 8 p.m., on Wednesday, February 28.  All visitors will enter through the Capitol Visitor Center.

The following is specific information for the Capitol Complex regarding street closures, parking restrictions, restricted access to the U.S. Capitol, and other details regarding the event.

Granted the honor to lie in state

Only presidents, military commanders and members of Congress are granted the honor to lie in state. For those who lie in state, the casket is guarded at each of its corners by servicemen from each of the four branches of the United States Armed Forces. In 1998, Congress created a similar privilege for private citizens to lie in honor. For those who lie in honor, an honor guard is provided by the United States Capitol Police.

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The first leader to lie in the Capitol Rotunda was former Speaker of the House of Representatives Henry Clay, when he died in 1852. Some 30 individuals, including 11 presidents, have been extended this honor.

Once a photo of the military guarding Billy Graham as he is laid in honor, I will add it to this blog post.