Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump have travelled to the US Capitol in Washington to pay their respects to former president George HW Bush.
The remains of the 41st president of the United States took their place in the Capitol Rotunda for three days of mourning and praise by the political elite and everyday citizens alike.
President from 1989 to 1993, Mr Bush died on Friday at the age of 94.
“Here lies a great man,” said House speaker Paul Ryan and “a gentle soul. … His legacy is grace perfected”.
Vice president Mike Pence and Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell also spoke.
They stood in front of the casket with their eyes closed for a few moments, before Mr Trump saluted the casket.
Past and incoming House speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat, exchanged a warm hug with former president George W Bush and came away dabbing her face. Mr Bush himself seemed to be holding back tears.
#Remembering41 pic.twitter.com/9xbFYlZzNs
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 4, 2018
Ms Pelosi and Chuck Schumer, the Senate Democratic leader, placed wreaths in the short ceremony before the rotunda was to be opened to the public. It was to remain open overnight.
Sent off from Texas with a 21-gun salute, Mr Bush’s casket was carried to Joint Base Andrews outside the capital city aboard an aircraft that often serves as Air Force One and designated “Special Air Mission 41” in honour of Mr Bush’s place on the chronological list of presidents.
Cannon roared again outside as the sun sank and his eldest son, George W Bush, stood with his hand over his heart, watching the casket’s procession up the steps.
He will lie in state in the Capitol for public visitation until Wednesday. An invitation-only funeral service is set for Wednesday at Washington National Cathedral. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump are to attend.
Although Mr Bush’s funeral services are suffused with the flourishes accorded presidents, by his choice they will not include a formal funeral procession through Washington.
