AP Explains: Graham’s rare honour at US Capitol
WASHINGTON — Congress is reserving one of the nation’s greatest distinctions for the Rev. Billy Graham, selecting him to lie in honour in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda next Wednesday and Thursday.
America’s most famous evangelist died Wednesday at his home in North Carolina at age 99.
The Rotunda has long been considered the most suitable place for the nation to pay final tribute to its most eminent citizens. Among those who have lain in state or in honour in the Rotunda are 12 former presidents, including Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy, former military commanders Douglas MacArthur, George Dewey and John Pershing, and civil rights icon Rosa Parks.
A look at some of the history and names behind the honour.