Sandra Day O’Connor, the first woman to serve as a Supreme Court Justice, was laid to rest in the Great Hall of the Supreme Court of the United States in Washington, DC on Tuesday. The ceremony was small, but dignified and thoughtful.
Justice O’Connor, the first woman appointed to the highest court, passed away on March 12th, 2021 at the age of 88. Her illness was kept a close secret by her family, and her passing has left many of her colleagues and fans reeling with grief. Her contribution to the court has been monumental and unprecedented, having served for more than two decades.
At Sandra Day O’Connor’s small formal funeral service, her long-time colleague, Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts made an emotional speech honoring the justice’s service. He noted her “unshakable commitment to the rule of law and the impartial administration of justice”. He also called her service “spectacular,” adding that her “commitment to this court and its core principles have been unyielding”.
The Chief Justice’s speech was followed by a prayer, reading from the Bible, and a benediction, prior to Justice O’Connor’s coffin being carried out to the strains of a harp and flute. Her casket was draped with an American flag according to the longstanding tradition of honoring fallen officials, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) was among the pall bearers.
Throughout the small chapel, Justice O’Connor’s family, friends, and colleagues paid tribute to the pioneering jurist. pictures were presented on a big screen, highlighting her courage, intelligence, and compassion in the delivery of justice on the bench.
This stately ceremony, without the pomp and circumstance of a typical lying-in-repose service, paid fitting tribute to the great contributions made by Justice O’Connor to our nation and the Supreme Court. Her lifetime of service was certainly on full display.