The Supreme Court justice passed away at the age of 87 on Sept. 18.
The late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg became the first woman and first Jewish person to lie in state at the U.S. Capitol on Friday.
The honor, which comes a week after her death at the age of 87 due to complications of metastatic pancreas cancer, pays tribute to the country's most distinguished citizens.
Since 1852, over 30 men have lain in state, including 12 former presidents, as well as other statesmen and military leaders, per historical records. The last person to have lain in state was Georgia congressman and civil rights activist John Lewis, who died in July.
Civil rights icon Rosa Parks was "lain in honor" at the Capitol in 2005, but Ginsburg is the first woman ever to lie in state.
"Justice Ginsburg embodied justice, brilliance and goodness, and her passing is an incalculable loss for our democracy and for all who sacrifice and strive to build a better future for our children," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said upon her passing. "Every family in America benefited from her brilliant legacy and courage. Her opinions have unequivocally cemented the precedent that all men and women are created equal.”
Rabbi Lauren Holtzblatt of Adas Israel Congregation in Washington delivered a eulogy and reflection followed by a second musical selection by Mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves accompanied by pianist Laura Ward. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi delivered opening remarks.
Ginsburg’s casket arrived at 9:30 a.m. for the solemn ceremony as the flag over the Capitol flew at half-staff.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer looked on as the casket was carried up the House steps and inside the building.
The final preparations were made in Statuary Hall Friday morning for Ginsburg’s ceremony.
The service will include socially distant seating.
Ginsburg’s casket will arrive at Capitol Plaza at 9:30 a.m. ET.
The Statuary Hall ceremony begins at 10 a.m. with a welcome from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
The service also will include comments from Rabbi Lauren Holtzblatt, whose husband was a law clerk to Ginsburg.
There will be two musical selections by American operatic soprano Denyce Graves, accompanied by Laura Ward on the piano.
Graves and Ward also performed at a memorial service for Ginsburg’s husband 10 years ago, according to the Inquirer.
“I’ll never forget her face when Denyce was four feet in front of her singing this song ... she had this sweetest expression of gratitude," Ward told the Inquirer.
After the ceremony, bipartisan women of the House and Senate will join Pelosi to pay their respects on the East Center Steps.
