I vividly remember every military funeral I’ve been to: every crack of gun salute, the slow, solemn hum of the taps, the sharp folding of the flag and being handed to a family member with the words, “on behalf of a grateful nation.” I know we can’t do anything as a nation to repay the debt, but I know we can do something to really show how grateful we are as a nation.
That’s why I proposed legislation, the Final Honors Act, that would allow every American service member killed in action (KIA) to lie in state under the dome of the U.S. Capitol. This honor allows Americans to pay a final tribute to those who have served our nation. The tradition dates back to 1852, when Henry Clay – the seventh Speaker of the House of Representatives and Secretary of State to President John Quincy Adams – first received the recognition. Since then, only 46 people have lain in state or honor, including former presidents, civil rights activist Rosa Parks and Capitol Police officers who died in the line of duty.
Every member of our armed forces who died when they were shot down in a jet or helicopter, took sniper fire or machine gun fire, was hit by an RPG or IED, went down with a ship, or was otherwise killed in action was killed because they courageously and selflessly raised their right hand and took an oath to protect and defend our Constitution and our country. They took on jobs that were always dangerous and turned out to be deadly, and they did them happily, knowing that they might not get home to their loved ones. But while their love for America and all that the country stands for was boundless, the reverence for their sacrifice is not.
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That’s why I’m working to ensure our service members receive the honor they deserve by giving that KIA the opportunity to lie in state – so that every American can pay their last respects to a hero who embodied the very best of our nation. This would give the families of the fallen the opportunity to choose whether they would like to honor their fallen soldier with their flag-draped casket under the dome of our Capitol.
A makeshift memorial for Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe is seen outside Farragut West Station, near where the two National Guard members were shot on Monday, December 1, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
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The offer is entirely theirs to accept, but they would know that their country is at their side and that men like me will respectfully approach the coffin, give a slow and deliberate salute, say a prayer and say goodbye to our fallen sister or brother. I would like the first of these offerings to be addressed to the family of Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, West Virginia Army National Guard, who lost her life in our nation’s capital. God willing, she will be the first and last service member to receive this honor. But when another soldier, sailor, airman, Marine or guardian gives his life for our nation, I believe we should offer the nation’s highest level of respect and admiration by laying in state all those warriors.
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We, as citizens of the United States, have a responsibility to honor the sacrifice of our warriors. But that’s not as intuitive as many would expect. When I presented this idea, I had many people first raise the inconvenience that such ceremonies would cause around the Capitol if war were to occur and there were many casualties. I literally pray for all of our men and women who defend us, but when one of them gives their life, our 535 legislators absolutely must disrupt their lives to show respect and consider the consequences of the decisions they make.
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Our nation’s lawmakers should have done this for every victim of World War II and Korea, or the more than 58,000 victims of the Vietnam War, the Rangers, Delta operators and Black Hawk pilots of Mogadishu, as well as my brothers and sisters in both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. We have failed them in the past, let us not fail Specialist Beckstrom or any patriot who gives his life next.
To some, that may sound symbolic. Those who have worn the uniform – or lost someone who has – will recognize the efforts of a nation that shows true gratitude. It will remind us that our freedom comes at an incredible cost. With that, Specialist Beckstrom, on behalf of a grateful nation, would like to say thank you, and thank God for blessing our nation with you, and may you rest in peace.
CLICK HERE TO FROM REP. BRIAN MAST
