DescriptionLying in State - President Gerald Ford (8288035735).jpg
In this photo: President Gerald R. Ford, Jr. lay in state from December 30, 2006 - January 2, 2007.
The Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol has been considered the most suitable place for the nation to pay final tribute to its most eminent citizens by having their remains lay in state or in honor.
The casket rests on the the catafalque, a platform that supports the casket of all those who have lain in state in the Capitol Rotunda since Abraham Lincoln 1865.
These occasions are either authorized by a congressional resolution or approved by the congressional leadership, when permission is granted by survivors.
This image is a work of an employee of the
Architect of the Capitol, taken or made as part of that person's official duties. As a
work of the
U.S. federal government, all images created or made by the Architect of the Capitol are in the
public domain in the United States.