Official mourning ceremonies
![The casket of former Federal President Walter Scheel lies in state in the Berlin Philharmonie, covered with the federal institutions flag. Musicians of the Berlin Philharmoniker can be seen in the background. The casket of former Federal President Walter Scheel lies in state in the Berlin Philharmonie, covered with the federal institutions flag. Musicians of the Berlin Philharmoniker can be seen in the background.](/SharedDocs/bilder/Webs/PI/EN/state-occasions/trauerstaatsakt.jpg;jsessionid=E82161E8A0D191BF119272D545537D1E.live882?__blob=wide&v=3)
Source: Henning Schacht
Official mourning ceremonies and state funerals are rare and special occasions. They are the expression of highest honour given by the Federal Republic of Germany to public figures who have rendered outstanding service to the German people, whether in the political, cultural, scientific or social sphere.