Nation prepares for state funeral for George H.W. Bush

The United States is preparing for funeral services and memorial events planned for former President George H.W. Bush next week in Washington, D.C.

The funeral will take place on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Washington National Cathedral.

Along with the Bush family, President Trump and first lady Melania Trump plan to attend those services, the White House announced Saturday.

Michelle Obama announced Sunday that she is canceling events for her new book, “Becoming,” in order to attend as well, likely alongside her husband, former President Obama. Other high-profile guests, including former presidents, are expected to announce in the coming days their attendance. 

{mosads}Trump has previously feuded with Bush but has praised him since his death on Friday. 

“He was a very fine man. I met him on a number of occasions,” Trump said Saturday while in Buenos Aires, Argentina for the Group of 20 summit. “He was a terrific guy and he’ll be missed. He lived a full life and an exemplary life.”

Trump announced he would send a presidential plane to pick up Bush’s casket. He will be greeted with an arrival ceremony on Monday afternoon at the Capitol attended by the Bush family and members of Congress.

Prior to the funeral, Bush will lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda from Monday at 7:30 p.m. through Wednesday at 8:45 a.m. The Rotunda will be open to the public during that time. 

After the funeral at the National Cathedral, Bush’s remains will be transported back to Houston. He will lie in repose, with a guard of honor, from late Wednesday to early Thursday at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church. 

A funeral service will be held at the same church at 10 a.m. Thursday. Bush’s remains will then be transported by train to Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, where Bush will be buried at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum.