State Funeral for former President Gerald R. Ford

The viewing for former President Ford will be open to the public from 8 p.m. until 12 midnight on Saturday, December 30, 2006; and from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Sunday, December 31 and Monday, January 1, 2007. The public can line up at any time. The designated waiting area will be at 3rd and Maryland Avenue, S.W. for all visitors, including those with special needs.

The United States Capitol Police urges everyone to bring as few items as possible in order to expedite security screening. The use of public transportation is strongly recommended to minimize the congestion of traffic around the Capitol. Public parking is not available on Capitol Grounds. Please refer to metro’s website, www.wmata.com to plan your trip. The closest metro stops are Capitol South, Federal Center and Union Station.

Prohibited items include:

• Any bag larger than: 14” x 13” x 4”
• Any audio and/or video recording devices
• Guns, knives, stun guns, ammunition, razors, box cutters, or other weapons
• Mace, pepper spray, or any aerosol sprays
• Cans and bottles
• Food or beverages

There will be street closures around the Capitol. On Friday, December 29, Maryland Avenue, S.W. between First Street and Third Street, S.W., and First Street between Independence Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue, S.W. will be closed from 7 a.m. through the conclusion of events on Capitol Grounds. Beginning December 30, Constitution Ave. and Independence Avenue on Capitol Grounds will be closed from 5 p.m. through the conclusion of events on Capitol Grounds. There may be additional street closures around the Capitol as it becomes necessary; other law enforcement agencies will close streets outside of Capitol Grounds at various times. For routine business, alternate access points for the House and Senate Office Buildings on Capitol Grounds will be available.

Anyone wishing to attend the services should be prepared to deal with forecasted weather conditions. In order to be respectful while viewing our former President, protocol requires that cell phones and pagers must be turned off while in the Capitol. There will be no photography or electronic recording while in the Rotunda. We urge everyone to be patient during this historic event, as your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

You may also call the U.S. Capitol Visitor Information Line at (202) 225-6827 for additional, recorded information.

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If there are any questions about these events or security procedures, you may contact the United States Capitol Police Public information Office at 202-224-1677.