<P> Lying in state in the United States is the rare honor either authorized by a congressional resolution or approved by the congressional leadership , when permission is granted by survivors , to a deceased official whereby his or her remains are placed in the rotunda of the United States Capitol in Washington , D.C. for public viewing . The casket is guarded by members of the armed forces . By regulation and custom , only Presidents , military commanders , and members of Congress are granted the honor of lying in state . Except for Presidents and former Presidents , the honor is not automatic . Not all those entitled to the honor have it accepted by their survivors . The first leader to receive this honor was Henry Clay , former Speaker of the House of Representatives , when he died in 1852 . Since then , the honor has been extended to 27 people , including eleven Presidents , and to 4 Unknown Soldiers , representing U.S. service members who have died without their remains being identified . An additional four individuals have lain in honor , a similar privileged . </P>
<P> Lying in state in the United States is the rare honor either authorized by a congressional resolution or approved by the congressional leadership , when permission is granted by survivors , to a deceased official whereby his or her remains are placed in the rotunda of the United States Capitol in Washington , D.C. for public viewing . The casket is guarded by members of the armed forces . By regulation and custom , only Presidents , military commanders , and members of Congress are granted the honor of lying in state . Except for Presidents and former Presidents , the honor is not automatic . Not all those entitled to the honor have it accepted by their survivors . The first leader to receive this honor was Henry Clay , former Speaker of the House of Representatives , when he died in 1852 . Since then , the honor has been extended to 27 people , including eleven Presidents , and to 4 Unknown Soldiers , representing U.S. service members who have died without their remains being identified . An additional four individuals have lain in honor , a similar privileged . </P>
who gets to lie in state at capitol
who gets to lie in state at capitol
Presidents military commanders members of Congress
Presidents military commanders members of Congress