On Friday, John McCain will become the 31st person to lie in state in the United States Capitol, joining a short list of American leaders to have their coffins displayed at the Rotunda for public viewing. Dating back to 1852, it’s among the rarest of posthumous tributes for government officials in the United States. As such, the lingo and customs of the ceremony might be unknown to many. Lying in state, honor and repose: They’re differentThe terms are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences. By strict definitions, lying in state is reserved for those who served in the government, and it applies only to the time their coffins are displayed in the Capitol or a government building, either in Washington or at the state level.

Source: New York Times August 30, 2018 17:36 UTC