Is There Really A Body In The Coffin While Lying In State?

Question

How is the body preserved for hours? Even with being embalmed, a body cannot last for that long (lying in state as well as during the processional). Take for instance Regan, he traveled from DC to CA over the course of days in addition to lying in state. Some have said that there really isn’t a body in the coffin. Is there any information regarding this?

bless i am sorry about your loss

Answer 1

Yes, they are embalmed and yes, they certainly are in the casket. Embalmed bodies generally will last at least 2-3 weeks before any major changes take place, most of the time even longer than that. The embalmers will simply use a very strong solution. We have to keep bodies sometimes for months at a time awaiting burial in Arlington Nat'l Cemetery, and they are perfectly fine, many viewed again before interment. And no, Reagan was not embalmed with something other than embalming fluid, contrary to the first answer, he was embalmed witht he same fluid as everyone else, there are no other options.

Answer 2

Yes, there's really a body. In addition to embalming most bodies are further preserved by being put into refrigerated compartments when not on display. For heads of state and royalty they even pipe conditioned air into the coffin interior while the body is on display!

Answer 3

Embalming will preserve a body for many weeks. It was developed as a modern science during the US Civil War as a way to ensure bodies could be returned to their home town for burial. Most state funerals occur within just a few days of the death of the person.

If you've never been to an open casket funeral or viewing/wake, then you may be confused. Contact your local funeral home for a chance to learn some of the details on preserving bodies long enough to keep them for a service.

Answer 4

Yes there is. After a body is embalmed, the body does not need to be refrigerated and the coffin is already sealed air tight. All viewings after already been done and nothing further will be done with the body after embalming.

The people who say there isn't just like to cause controversy

Answer 5

Normally the coffin is open and the body can be viewed by all who pass by to pay respects. There is film and pictures of Kennedy when he was lying in state. Yes, there is a body and it has been embalmed.

It took them a week or more to bury Lincoln and he laid in state 3 days I think.

Answer 6

Well my sister died early Thursday morning and was no found until that night, she was lying in bed and her blood had already started to pool too one side of her face, she was then flown to Bismark ND (lived in Fargo, ND) then was flown to Minneapolis, MN then brought down to where my family lives her body was shown at the reviewal and the day of the funeral witch was a week apart. A body can be preserved for hours or days. I am not sure how but I know of bodies being preserved for longer time.

Answer 7

Oh yes, along as someone's pumping the embalming fluid the body will stay preserved.

Answer 8

Yes, there really is a body in the coffin with reagen they something else besides embalming fluid for him since they knew he would lying in state for longer than anyone else normally would.

Answer 9

Yes. They are embalmed like everyone else.

Answer 10

yes there is
my dads coffin was open many days after his death and he looked well ... just like he was sleeping
although there was slight discolouration that is all
but he looked lovely
these people do an amazing job and arent given enough credit