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Former vice-president and presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, Joe Biden, will honor the late U.S. Rep. John Lewis as his body lies in state at the U.S. Capitol today.
Lewis will be honored in an invitation-only arrival ceremony which will take place at 1:30 p.m. ET on Monday in the Capitol Rotunda.
READ MORE: Rep. John Lewis memorial plans released
The tradition of lying in state is a ceremonial tribute reserved for honoring the lives of the most prominent and distinguished of American statesmen and military leaders.
According to CNN, a public viewing will take place outdoors as a safety precaution during the coronavirus pandemic. Members of the public will be able to pay their respects on Monday and Tuesday at the top of the East Front Steps. The public will be permitted to file past the late congressman’s body while adhering to social-distancing and District of Columbia mask guidelines.
The Biden campaign has frequently honored Lewis on Twitter. On the date of his passing, July 18, Biden wrote, “We are made in the image of God, and then there is John Lewis. He was truly one-of-a-kind, a moral compass who always knew where to point us and which direction to march.”
Biden ended the tweet by sending condolences from he and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden.
In a second tweet, Biden honored Lewis again by captioning, “I know of no man with more courage than John Lewis. He was a giant walking among us. When I saw him, I couldn’t help but think one thing: ‘I haven’t done enough.’”
He continued saying, “May his life and legacy inspire every one of us to strive for justice, equality, and what is right.”
READ MORE: Congressional Black Caucus Foundation renames fellowship after the late John Lewis
Monday and Tuesday’s event is one of several services scheduled across numerous states in the nation. Chief among those states pausing to honor the civil rights leader are Alabama and Georgia. Lewis served as the U.S. Representative for Georgia’s 5th Congressional District for over 30 years. He was often called “the moral conscience of Congress.”
President Donald Trump tweeted that he was “saddened” to hear of Lewis’ passing, more than 14 hours after his death was announced. At the time, the president was golfing. There, so far, are no plans for him to participate in the D.C. public ceremonies.
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