At Capitol, George H.W. Bush saluted as 'gentle soul,' 'great man'

The flag-draped casket of former President George H.W. Bush is placed by a joint services military honor guard into the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. Photo / AP

America's capital embraced George H.W. Bush in death with solemn ceremony and tributes to his service and decency, as the remains of the 41st president took their place in the Capitol rotunda for days of mourning and praise by the political elite and everyday citizens alike.

With Bush's casket atop the Lincoln Catafalque, first used for Abraham Lincoln's 1865 funeral, dignitaries came forward to honour the Texan whose efforts for his country extended three quarters of a century from World War II through to his final years as an advocate for volunteerism and relief for people displaced by natural disaster.

US President from 1989 to 1993, Bush died on Saturday at age 94.

In an invocation opening the ceremony, the US House chaplain, the Rev. Patrick Conroy, praised Bush's commitment to public service, from Navy pilot to congressman, UN ambassador, envoy to China and then CIA director before being elected vice-president and then president.

"Here lies a great man," said Congressman Paul Ryan, the House Speaker, and "a gentle soul ... His legacy is grace perfected."

Vice-President Mike Pence and Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell also spoke.

But political combatants set aside their fights to honour a Republican who led in a less toxic time and at times found commonality with Democrats despite sharp policy disagreements. Democratic Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, past and incoming House speaker, exchanged a warm hug with former President George W. Bush and came away dabbing her face. Bush himself seemed to be holding back tears.

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.

Former President George H. W. Bush lies in state in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. Photo / AP

Sent off from Texas with a 21-gun salute, 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 Bush's place on the chronological list of presidents.

Cannon roared again outside the Capitol 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.

Bush was remembered just metres away from what he called "Democracy's front porch," the west-facing steps of the Capitol where he was sworn in as president.

He will lie in state in the Capitol for public visitation today. An invitation-only funeral service is set for tomorrow at Washington National Cathedral. Although Bush's funeral services are suffused with the flourishes accorded presidents, by his choice they will not include a formal funeral procession through downtown Washington.

The younger President Bush, his wife, Laura, and others from the family travelled on the flight from Houston. Bush will be returned to Houston to lie in repose at St. Martin's Episcopal Church before burial Thursday at his family plot.

- AP