Touching Tributes As John Lewis Lies In State On Capitol Hill

Congressman John Lewis was bestowed with one of the highest honors a politician can receive today. The civil rights icon was brought back to Capitol Hill to lie in state.

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi was among those honoring Lewis. Here’s part of her speech (watch her full remarks above):

It is fitting that John Lewis joins this pantheon of patriots, resting upon the same catafalque as President Abraham Lincoln.

John revered President Lincoln.  His identification with Lincoln was clear 57 years ago, at the shadow of the Lincoln Memorial, where John declared: ‘Our minds, souls, and hearts cannot rest until freedom and justice exist for all the people’ – words that ring true today.  Mr. Leader, I too was there that day.  Our student years.   

Between then and now, John Lewis became a titan of the Civil Rights Movement and then, the Conscience of the U.S. Congress.  Here in Congress, John was revered and beloved on both sides of the aisle, on both sides of the Capitol.  We knew that he always worked on the side of the angels – and now, we know that he is with them.  

Before his casket arrived in the rotunda, there was a striking shot as his motorcade made its way over the Black Lives Matter street mural in front of the White House.

Vice President Mike Pence is expected to pay his respects later today. Donald Trump was asked if he would attend as well, but he responded: “No, I won’t be going. No.” Senator Mitch McConnell delivered remarks earlier in the day.

A public viewing takes place tonight from 6 pm to 10 pm and from 8 am to 10 pm tomorrow.