With the tolling of bells and a military honor guard at the ready, the hearse carrying the body of Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll has arrived at the Capitol.
The memorial service for Pennsylvania's first woman lieutenant govenor is set to get underway shortly. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, a close personal friend an political ally leads a roster of dignitaries expected to attend, including Gov. Rendell, U.S. Reps. John Murtha and Allyson Schwartz, Sen. Bob Casey and Philadelphia mayor Michael Nutter.
American flags have been draped from the mezzanine of the ornate Capitol Rotunda above the spot where Knoll's body will lie in state until Saturday afternoon. A 150-member all-star children's choir with members from across the state is performing the musical prelude.
An honor guard including representatives of the Pennsylvania State Police, State Capitol Police and members of the Pennsylvania National Guard will serve as pallbearers.
Knoll, 78, died Nov. 12 after a four-month battle with neoendocrine cancer. Elected as lieutenant governor in 2002 she achieved the highest ranking post for a woman in Pennsylvania history.
After a funeral mass in her native Pittsburgh on Tuesday, Knoll will be laid to rest in a private graveside ceremony.
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