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Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg honored in historic ceremony at US Capitol

The Supreme Court justice passed away at the age of 87 on Sept. 18.

ByMeredith Deliso, Emily Shapiro, and Karma Allen
Last Updated: September 25, 2020, 10:35 AM EDT

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.

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is photographed in the West conference room at the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington on Aug. 30, 2013.
The Washington Post via Getty Images, FILE

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.”

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Sep 25, 2020, 10:35 AM EDT

Family, congressional leaders pay their respects

Family members, followed by members of Congress, are now paying their respects one by one, with an emphasis on social distancing.

Members of Congress and guests pay their respects to the late Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg as her casket lies in state during a memorial service in her honor in the Statuary Hall of the Capitol on Sept. 25, 2020, in Washington.
Pool/Getty Images

The flag-draped casket of the late Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg arrives inside the Statuary Hall of the Capitol during a memorial service in her honor on Sept. 25, 2020, in Washington.
Pool/Getty Images

Sep 25, 2020, 10:28 AM EDT

Rabbi Lauren Holtzblatt delivers reflection

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.

Rabbi Lauren Holtzblatt speaks during a ceremony to honor the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg as she lies in state at Statuary Hall in the Capitol in Washington, Sept. 25, 2020.
Greg Nash/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Denyce Graves accompanied by Lauren Ward perform American anthem during a ceremony where Supreme Court Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's flag-draped casket lies in state in Statuary Hall at the Capitol, in Washington, Sept. 25, 2020.
Pool/Reuters

Sep 25, 2020, 9:45 AM EDT

Ginsburg’s casket arrives

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.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi arrives at the Capitol, in Washington, Sept. 25, 2020.
Pool/Reuters

The casket of the late Supreme Court Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is carried after it's arrival at the Capitol, where it will lie in state in Statuary Hall in Washington, Sept. 25, 2020.
Jonathan Ernst/Reuters

The casket of the late Supreme Court Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is carried up the steps of the U.S. Capitol, where it will lie in state in Statuary Hall in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 25, 2020.
Alex Brandon/Pool via AFP/Getty Images

Sep 25, 2020, 9:26 AM EDT

Final preparations made for ceremony

The final preparations were made in Statuary Hall Friday morning for Ginsburg’s ceremony.

The service will include socially distant seating.

PHOTO: Final preparations are being made in Statuary Hall of the U.S. Capitol for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who will lie in state later today, in Washington, U.S., September 25, 2020. Alex Brandon/Pool via REUTERS
Final preparations are being made in Statuary Hall of the U.S. Capitol for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who will lie in state, Sept. 25, 2020, in Washington, D.C.
Alex Brandon/Pool via Reuters