America began saying goodbye to beloved astronaut John Glenn on Friday starting with a public viewing of his flag-draped coffin.
Politicians, including Secretary of State John Kerry, and ordinary citizens from across the country paid their respects to the first American to orbit Earth as a sombre Marine honour guard kept watch.
The normally festive holiday decor was bedecked with black buntings and the windows were covered in black.
Ryan and Cristin Hanson, of Michigan, brought their 10-month-old baby, Hilary.
"He's a hero who's continued to be remembered," said Ryan, 31, who said he and his wife, 29, were awed by Glenn's accomplishments.
"When we were young, we learned about John Glenn from our folks, and we hope that's something that gets perpetuated as we move forward."
Glenn died last week aged 95. He became a national hero when he orbited Earth in 1962.
Before that he was a fighter pilot in World War II and Korea.
Glenn also spent more than two decades representing Ohio in the US Senate and became the oldest man in space, at age 77 in 1998.
Glenn's widow, Annie, gently rubbed the flag covering the casket while seated in a wheelchair, accompanied by the couple's two children.
The public viewing was scheduled to stretch at least eight hours.
Visitors in the line, which grew as the day wore on, proceeded patiently as video screens and placards placed within view recounted his life of accomplishment.
Most paused for a moment in front of Glenn's closed casket. A few snapped photos. Some bowed their heads or crossed themselves. One man, holding the hand of a small boy, turned and saluted before walking away.
A series of events celebrating Glenn's life is planned, including a processional through the city of Columbus on Saturday followed by a public memorial service at Ohio State University,
Glenn will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, DC.
