Sen. Orrin Hatch to lie in state at the Utah Capitol
May 4, 2022, 11:08 AM | Updated: 11:12 am
SALT LAKE CITY — On Wednesday, Utah honors the life of the late Sen. Orrin Hatch, who will lie in state in the Capitol rotunda.
Monday’s memorial service will be the first of two services to honor the late senator, who will go down in history as Utah’s longest-serving Republican senator.
Hatch died on April 23 at the age of 88.
Former Gov. Jon Huntsman said Utah was lucky to have Hatch.
“Any state would dream of having a senator as effective as Orrin Hatch. Look at the diverse array of friends he brought around. Talk about a personality that really reached out beyond the traditional boundaries,” said Huntsman.
The memorial service for the sixth longest-serving senator in U.S. history will take place on Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
At 4:30 p.m., Lt. Gov. Diedre Henderson will be joined by state officials for a wreath-laying ceremony.
Wednesday will go down in history as Hatch will be only the fifth person to lie in state at the Utah Capitol. He’ll be the first federally elected official in Utah to have that distinction.
Former Gov. Gary Herbert said Hatch’s legacy stretches far beyond politics.
“He was not only a giant in the Senate. He was a giant in the community. He was a giant in his family, and a great example and mentor to many of us elected officials. (He’s) been part of a sense of helping represent Utah,” said Herbert.
Gov. Spencer Cox ordered the American and Utah flag on all state facilities be lowered to half staff at sunrise to honor Hatch.
An incredible honor for the state to remember Utah’s longest serving Rep. Senator in this way.
Memorial services for the late senator will be held from 2-8 pm. @KSL5TV https://t.co/K9IyOnjCKr
— Karah Brackin (@KB_ON_TV) May 4, 2022
The flags will be returned to full staff at sunset.
Hatch’s funeral service will be held on Friday. The public is welcome to attend.
