ROSA PARKS, the seamstress whose act of defiance on a public bus a half-century ago helped spark the US civil rights movement, will join presidents and war heroes who have been honoured in death with a public viewing in the Capitol Rotunda.

Rosa Parks, who died on Monday, will become the first woman to receive one of America's highest tributes.

A 216-year-old sculpture – the most accurate and detailed rendering of George Washington in existence – will undergo a laser scan this year to produce a precise, three-dimensional depiction of the first US president.

Thousands filed silently past the coffin of former president Ronald Reagan today as final preparations were made for the first US presidential state funeral in more than 30 years.

THE body of former US President Ronald Reagan, escorted by Nancy Reagan and his children, began its journey to the capital, Washington, yesterday for national memorial services.

Former president Ronald Reagan has died, it was announced tonight. The news was confirmed by the White House.