John F. Kennedy's funeral in Washington D.C. November, 25 1963 (Photo by Flip Schulke/Getty Images) A presidential funeral is a tradition filled with stately tradition and fine details.
Presidents typically make preparations for their own funerals with the help of their families.Occasionally, this planning requires several years.
Funeral plans are usually kept secret between close family members and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington. The arrangements are not announced until after a president dies.Nine presidents have had funeral processions down Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C., including all four presidents to die by assassination: Abraham Lincoln, James Garfield, William McKinley, and John F.
Kennedy.But not all presidential funerals are the same. Each has unique qualities per the president’s and family’s request. Richard Nixon’s family, acting on his wishes, opted out of the procession and other Washington traditions when he died in 1994.