Sandra Day O’Connor, a pioneering Supreme Court Justice and America’s first female justice, was laid to rest at the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court Building on April 29, 2021. Following her passing on March 12, 2021 at the age of 88, the ceremony was a fitting tribute to a justice who shaped United States history with her libertarian-leaning opinions and courage.
Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. honored her in a formal eulogy, declaring “The world will be ever lesser without Sandra Day O’Connor”. As Chief Justice Roberts’ tribute highlighted, Justice O’Connor was more than just a trailblazer for women in government. Her decisions over the course of her 24 years served on the bench had a profound impact on the world of law, ranging from her opinions on abortion and campus speech to her public service in remembrance of the September 11th terrorist attacks.
In commemoration of Justice O’Connor, the Supreme Court of the United States held a memorial service with family and other notable figures in attendance. “She carried us forward as a trusty guide and a trailblazer,” reflected retired Justice Anthony M. Kennedy. After the ceremony, Justice O’Connor was laid to rest while lying in repose on the historic steps of the Supreme Court building.
Given the significance of Justice O’Connor’s legacy and the rarity of a justice lying in repose at the Supreme Court, this solemn event proved to be both a historic and touching moment. Vice President Harris proclaimed that “for the first time in American history, the gates of the highest court in the land will open to those who have never been invited before” in dedication of Justice O’Connor. The touching ceremony was a spectacular and dignified way to honor Justice O’Connor’s legacy as a tremendous example of a lifelong commitment to public service, dedication to justice, and respect for the law.
Her passing marks a great loss for the country but her memory will remain alive for a long time to come. Justice O’Connor’s insight, half-smile, and quiet humor will be remembered for many generations to come. The legacy she left behind will live on in the lives and opinions of those who came after her.
Sandra Day O’Connor, a pioneering Supreme Court Justice and America’s first female justice, was laid to rest at the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court Building on April 29, 2021. Following her passing on March 12, 2021 at the age of 88, the ceremony was a fitting tribute to a justice who shaped United States history with her libertarian-leaning opinions and courage.
Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. honored her in a formal eulogy, declaring “The world will be ever lesser without Sandra Day O’Connor”. As Chief Justice Roberts’ tribute highlighted, Justice O’Connor was more than just a trailblazer for women in government. Her decisions over the course of her 24 years served on the bench had a profound impact on the world of law, ranging from her opinions on abortion and campus speech to her public service in remembrance of the September 11th terrorist attacks.
In commemoration of Justice O’Connor, the Supreme Court of the United States held a memorial service with family and other notable figures in attendance. “She carried us forward as a trusty guide and a trailblazer,” reflected retired Justice Anthony M. Kennedy. After the ceremony, Justice O’Connor was laid to rest while lying in repose on the historic steps of the Supreme Court building.
Given the significance of Justice O’Connor’s legacy and the rarity of a justice lying in repose at the Supreme Court, this solemn event proved to be both a historic and touching moment. Vice President Harris proclaimed that “for the first time in American history, the gates of the highest court in the land will open to those who have never been invited before” in dedication of Justice O’Connor. The touching ceremony was a spectacular and dignified way to honor Justice O’Connor’s legacy as a tremendous example of a lifelong commitment to public service, dedication to justice, and respect for the law.
Her passing marks a great loss for the country but her memory will remain alive for a long time to come. Justice O’Connor’s insight, half-smile, and quiet humor will be remembered for many generations to come. The legacy she left behind will live on in the lives and opinions of those who came after her.
