Lying in state

Lying in state is the tradition in which a coffin is placed on view to allow the public at large to pay their respects to the dead. It traditionally takes place in the principal government building of a country or city.

Ronald Reagan lying in state in the United States Capitol Rotunda on June 10, 2004

It is usually practiced in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, North Korea, South Africa, and Russia. Lying in state takes place during a state funeral.