What Is a Capitol Rotunda Burial
A Capitol rotunda burial is a ceremonial honor in which a deceased official or distinguished individual is placed in the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol Building. The tradition allows the public to pay respects while the body lies in state or in honor, typically with military and congressional oversight.
Eligibility and Process
Eligibility is determined by Congress or the Architect of the Capitol. Presidents, former presidents, and select military leaders and public servants are commonly chosen. The process involves a formal resolution, coordination with the family, and a guarded ceremony inside the Capitol rotunda.
Notable Capitol Rotunda Burials
Many U.S. presidents, including Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy, have lain in state. Other figures, such as civil rights leader Rosa Parks and former President George H. W. Bush, have been honored in the rotunda. Each ceremony follows established protocols and is documented by official sources including the Architect of the Capitol at https://www.aoc.gov/explore-capitol-campus/buildings-grounds/rotunda.
