The family of Rep. John Lewis has released details of the Celebration of Life ceremonies that will take place over six days, beginning on Saturday, July 25, 2020. A military honor guard will accompany Rep. Lewis during all the events, including the crossing of the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma and while he lies in states in Montgomery, Washington and Atlanta.
Participants will be required to wear masks and to maintain appropriate social distancing at each event.
In light of the pandemic, the family encourages Lewis’s many supporters to organize John Lewis Virtual Love Events in their homes to watch the ceremonies. They will be live-streamed on multiple platforms.
To fully participate, the public is encouraged to tie a blue or purple ribbon on their front doors or in their front yards to commemorate his life. They can post videos, photos, songs or any kind of virtual tribute to Lewis at #BelovedCommunity or #HumanDignity — or leave a written tribute at TheJohnLewisLegacy.com.
Saturday — “The Boy from Troy”
A Service Celebrating “The Boy from Troy”
Trojan Arena, Troy University
10 a.m. to 11 a.m. CT
This ceremony is open to the public, but seating is limited. Participants must obtain a ticket in the parking lot of the arena upon arrival to enter the facility. Due to the needs required to maintain social distancing, only 800 public seats are available. Attendees will be required to wear face and mouth coverings.
Rep. Lewis Lies in Repose
Trojan Arena, Troy University
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. CT
Open to the public. Attendees will be required to wear face and mouth coverings.
Selma Honors Congressman John Robert Lewis: 1940-2020
Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church
6 p.m. to 8 p.m. CT
Given COVID-19 precautions, this event is not open to the public. Attendees will be required to wear face and mouth coverings.
Rep. Lewis Lies in Repose
Brown Chapel A.ME. Church
8 p.m. to 11 p.m. CT
Open to the public. Attendees will be required to wear face and mouth coverings.
Sunday — “Good Trouble: Courage, Sacrifice & the Long March for Freedom”
The Final Crossing
Edmund Pettus Bridge
10 a.m. CT
The public is invited to view the processional as it travels from Brown Chapel to the Edmund Pettus Bridge. Attendees will be required to wear face and mouth coverings.
Receiving Ceremony
Alabama State Capitol
Front Entrance Hall State Capitol
2 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. CT
Rep. John Lewis Lies in State
Alabama State Capitol
3 p.m. – 7 p.m. CT
Open to the public. Attendees will be required to wear face and mouth coverings.
Monday and Tuesday — “The Conscience of Congress”
Special Ceremony
Rotunda, United States Capitol
Monday, July 27, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Rep. John Lewis Lies in State
United States Capitol
Monday, July 27, from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Tuesday, July 28, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Given COVID-19 precautions, Rep. Lewis will lie in state at the top of the East Front Steps of the U.S. Capitol for the public viewing, and the public will file past on the East Plaza. Per the Washington, D.C. Mayor’s order, masks will be required to enter the line, which will begin at the corner of First and East Capitol Streets NE. Social distancing will also be strictly enforced. Given expected high temperatures and the potential for inclement weather, members of the public are encouraged to bring water and umbrellas.
Wednesday — “Atlanta’s Servant Leader”
Special Ceremony
Rotunda, Georgia State Capitol
2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Rep. John Lewis Lies in State
Rotunda, Georgia State Capitol
3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
8 p.m. to 8 a.m.
Open to the public. Attendees will be required to wear face and mouth coverings.
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Omega Service
Rotunda, Georgia State Capitol
7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Attendees will be required to wear face and mouth coverings.
Thursday — “A Lifetime of Service”
A Celebration of Life
Ebenezer Baptist Church Horizon Sanctuary
11 a.m.
Given COVID-19 precautions, this event is not open to the public. Attendees will be required to wear face and mouth coverings.
Internment
South-View Cemetery
