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Elaborate Public Funerals and State Funerals
Elaborate public funeral ceremony are held on a larger scale to honor heads of state and other important people of national or religious significance. This section provides links to examples of elaborate public funerals, state funerals, or other funerals of note.
Articles & Resources
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Funeral Mass of the Roman Pontiff John Paul II
His Eminence Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (now Pope Benedictus XVI) delivered the following homily at the Funeral Mass of Pope John Paul II on the 8th of April, 2005 in St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican.
His Eminence Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (now Pope Benedictus XVI) delivered the following homily at the Funeral Mass of Pope John Paul II on the 8th of April, 2005 in St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican.
Funeral for Pope John Paul II
This article from About's guide to Catholicism, Jessica Steinmetz describes the funeral for Pope John Paul II held Friday, April 8, 2005. It was an elaborate Roman Catholic Service held for the leader of the Catholic Church.
This article from About's guide to Catholicism, Jessica Steinmetz describes the funeral for Pope John Paul II held Friday, April 8, 2005. It was an elaborate Roman Catholic Service held for the leader of the Catholic Church.
Deed for the Pious Transfer of His Holiness John Paul II - Rogito
The Rogito or the "Deed for the Pious Transfer of His Holiness John Paul II" is an official record of the Pope’s life and most important works of the deceased pontiff. This is the English translation of the Deed for the Pious Transfer of His Holiness John Paul II, that was read at the funeral service.
The Rogito or the "Deed for the Pious Transfer of His Holiness John Paul II" is an official record of the Pope’s life and most important works of the deceased pontiff. This is the English translation of the Deed for the Pious Transfer of His Holiness John Paul II, that was read at the funeral service.
When a Roman Catholic Pope Dies
About's guide to Catholicism, Jessica Steinmetz describes the exact steps that must be taken when the Pope, the leader of the Catholic Church dies.
About's guide to Catholicism, Jessica Steinmetz describes the exact steps that must be taken when the Pope, the leader of the Catholic Church dies.
Military Funeral Honors
Retired Air Force First Sergeant Rod Powers, About's Guide to U.S. Military reviews the many traditions and ceremonial elements involved in bidding a final farewell to departed comrades.
Retired Air Force First Sergeant Rod Powers, About's Guide to U.S. Military reviews the many traditions and ceremonial elements involved in bidding a final farewell to departed comrades.
A Celebration of Life - Remembering Steve Irwin
Irwin's accidental death on September 4, 2006 set off a global grief response. His memorial service was attended by 5,000 with an estimated 300 million people watching the televised memorial. This article looks at the unique aspects of his memorial service.
Irwin's accidental death on September 4, 2006 set off a global grief response. His memorial service was attended by 5,000 with an estimated 300 million people watching the televised memorial. This article looks at the unique aspects of his memorial service.
Official Schedule - Gerald R. Ford State Funeral
The Funeral of former President Gerald R. Ford is planned in three stages. The first stage of the State Funeral will be held in California, the second in Washington D.C. and the third stage will be held in Michigan at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum.
The Funeral of former President Gerald R. Ford is planned in three stages. The first stage of the State Funeral will be held in California, the second in Washington D.C. and the third stage will be held in Michigan at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum.
Honorary Pallbearers for the State Funeral of Gerald R. Ford
This is the list of individuals personally asked by President Gerald R. Ford personally to serve as his honorary pallbearers at Washington D.C. and at Grand Rapids. The Honorary Pallbearers are ceremonial escorts and personal honor guard for the former president.
This is the list of individuals personally asked by President Gerald R. Ford personally to serve as his honorary pallbearers at Washington D.C. and at Grand Rapids. The Honorary Pallbearers are ceremonial escorts and personal honor guard for the former president.
State Funeral Ceremonial Traditions
This article provided by the Joint Force Headquarters National Capital Region looks at many of the ceremonial traditions involved in a state funeral.
This article provided by the Joint Force Headquarters National Capital Region looks at many of the ceremonial traditions involved in a state funeral.
Evolution of State Funerals
This article from the Joint Force Headquarters National Capital Region looks at the evolution of State Funerals in the United States.
This article from the Joint Force Headquarters National Capital Region looks at the evolution of State Funerals in the United States.
Military Honors for Former Presidents
This page from the Joint Force Headquarters National Capital Region lists the various military honors afforded to former presidents after their death by the Department of the Army. Even though these honors are authorized, the family can decide which of the honors will be included in the funeral ceremonies.
This page from the Joint Force Headquarters National Capital Region lists the various military honors afforded to former presidents after their death by the Department of the Army. Even though these honors are authorized, the family can decide which of the honors will be included in the funeral ceremonies.
Outline of Funeral Events for Ronald Wilson Reagan
This lists the outline of funeral events that were held in honor of Ronald Reagan, including Lying in Repose both at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and at the Rotunda of U.S. Capitol followed by a funeral service and then an Interment Service at Reagan Library.
This lists the outline of funeral events that were held in honor of Ronald Reagan, including Lying in Repose both at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and at the Rotunda of U.S. Capitol followed by a funeral service and then an Interment Service at Reagan Library.
Images from President Ronald W. Reagan's Funeral
A Gallery of 95 Images from the Ronald Reagan Memorial Foundation that takes you through the events of the funeral. Set to music, this moving tribute is a way of experiencing the funeral and many of the emotional moments.
A Gallery of 95 Images from the Ronald Reagan Memorial Foundation that takes you through the events of the funeral. Set to music, this moving tribute is a way of experiencing the funeral and many of the emotional moments.
Funeral Services for Ronald Reagan
Ronald Wilson Reagan, the 40th President of the United States, died on June 5 2004 at his home in Los Angeles, California. He had an elaborate State Funeral including several days of events.
Ronald Wilson Reagan, the 40th President of the United States, died on June 5 2004 at his home in Los Angeles, California. He had an elaborate State Funeral including several days of events.
The Funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth - The Queen Mother
The Funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother took place on April 9, 2002 in Westminster Abbey, London.
The Funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother took place on April 9, 2002 in Westminster Abbey, London.
Ceremonial for the Funeral of Queen Elizabeth - the Queen Mother
The Funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother was preceded by an elaborate ceremonial procession with everyone following detailed military precision.
The Funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother was preceded by an elaborate ceremonial procession with everyone following detailed military precision.
Funeral Service Order for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth - The Queen Mum
The Funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother was a very traditional state funeral. The order of the funeral services is here.
The Funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother was a very traditional state funeral. The order of the funeral services is here.
The Funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales
Although not an official state funeral, the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales took place on Saturday, 6 September, 1997 in Westminster Abbey.
Although not an official state funeral, the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales took place on Saturday, 6 September, 1997 in Westminster Abbey.
Order of Funeral Service for Diana, Princess of Wales
The Funeral for Princess Diana combined traditional and modern music, readings and an address from her brother, Earl Spencer.
The Funeral for Princess Diana combined traditional and modern music, readings and an address from her brother, Earl Spencer.