Moving Moments From John McCain's Capitol Hill Tribute

The senator from Arizona is the 31st person to lie in state in the Capitol rotunda, according to the Architect of the Capitol website.
The casket of Sen. John McCain lies in state at the Capitol rotunda.
The casket of Sen. John McCain lies in state at the Capitol rotunda.
MORRY GASH/AFP/Getty Images

The late Sen. John McCain was honored by his congressional colleagues and members of the public at the U.S. Capitol on Friday.

The senator from Arizona became the 31st person to lie in state in the U.S. Capitol rotunda, according to the Architect of the Capitol website, which says the country’s “most eminent citizens” are given the honor.

Here’s a look at some of the most memorable moments from the ceremony.

Rain As The Service Began

A military honor guard team carries the casket of the late senator into the Capitol.
A military honor guard team carries the casket of the late senator into the Capitol.
Win McNamee/Getty Images

The skies were clear in Washington until about 10 minutes before the honor guard carried McCain’s casket into the Capitol.

New York Times reporter Emily Cochrane said, “One woman described it as ‘the heavens are weeping.’”

Speeches From Senators And The Vice President

President Donald Trump ― who was not invited to McCain’s memorial ― said in a statement Monday that he asked Vice President Mike Pence to give an address at the ceremony.

Vice President Mike Pence speaks as the former senator lies in state in the Capitol rotunda.
Vice President Mike Pence speaks as the former senator lies in state in the Capitol rotunda.
Pool via Getty Images

“For 35 years, John served in these very halls under this very dome. And he fought for what he believed in,” Pence said at the service. “In my years in Congress and as vice president, we didn’t always agree either. And he almost always noticed. But his support for limited government, for tax reform and support for our armed forces surely left our nation more prosperous and more secure. And he will be missed. As President Trump said yesterday, we respect his service to the country.”

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) also spoke.

“He had America’s fighting spirit,” McConnell said. “I will miss a dear friend whose smile reminded us that service is a privilege.”

A Bipartisan Wreath Laying Ceremony

McConnell and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) participated in a joint wreath laying.

CNN reported that McCain “expressly wanted Schumer, a Democrat, so he and McConnell jointly laid the Senate wreath.”

McCain will also be remembered at a memorial service at Washington’s National Cathedral on Saturday. His body will be laid to rest Sunday at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

For more from the Capitol Hill memorial for McCain, see the photos below.

Pool via Getty Images
The casket of Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) is carried up the steps of the Capitol.
WIN MCNAMEE via Getty Images
Cindy McCain (left) watches as a military honor guard team carries the flag-draped casket.
Pool via Getty Images
Mourners surround McCain's casket in the Capitol rotunda.
NICHOLAS KAMM via Getty Images
Roberta McCain, age 106, mother of the late senator, and granddaughter Meghan McCain attend the ceremony.
KEVIN LAMARQUE via Getty Images
Cindy McCain, wife of the senator, prays at the casket of her husband.
ERIC THAYER / Reuters
Sen. Lindsey Graham lays his hand on the casket.
KEVIN DIETSCH via Getty Images
Speaker of the House Paul Ryan kisses Cindy McCain as the casket of the senator lies in state.
Drew Angerer via Getty Images
Former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger (left) honors the late senator.
Pool via Getty Images
The casket in the Capitol rotunda.
Kevin Lamarque / Reuters
Meghan McCain, daughter of the late senator, cries as she turns from her father's casket.
ANDREW HARNIK via Getty Images
Roberta McCain, mother of the late senator, wipes her eyes as she looks at his casket.
ANDREW HARNIK via Getty Images
Vice President Mike Pence confers with Cindy McCain.
KEVIN DIETSCH via Getty Images
Sens. Chuck Schumer (right) and Mitch McConnell (left) walk away after viewing the casket.

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