Posted on 06/07/2004 12:27:15 PM PDT by eastsider
June 6, 2004 -- By law, former presidents are afforded a state funeral upon demise. While the general sequence of a state funeral is shaped by regulation and tradition, each event is also uniquely shaped by the family’s desires.
Once the president officially announces the demise of a former commander-in-chief, he then joins the nation in offering condolences.
The Secretary of Defense is then directed to conduct the funeral on behalf of the nation. In turn, he designates the Secretary of the Army, who oversees the nation's senior military service, to be his representative.
The Secretary of the Army further designates the commanding general for the U.S. Military District of Washington (MDW), to exercise that responsibility. The MDW commander is responsible for making all ceremonial arrangements for the funeral in Washington, D.C., and elsewhere in the continental United States.
Each branch of the armed forces provides personnel and support under the supervision of the Military District of Washington. Support includes an Armed Forces Honor Guard. In the past, this special ceremonial unit has participated in the state funerals for former presidents Kennedy, Eisenhower, Truman, Johnson and Nixon. A state funeral was also conducted for the Vietnam Unknown in 1984.
The Evolution of State Funerals
Origins of the 21 Gun Salute
The Caisson / Caparisoned Horse
Ceremonial Gun Salutes
Firing of Three Volleys
Lying in Repose
Lying in State
Main Funeral Procession
Origin of "Taps"
Kattracks ... please ping your list.
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