Photos show Congressman John Lewis crossing the infamous Edmund Pettus Bridge one last time

Frank OlitoJul 27, 2020, 02:52 IST

John Lewis crosses Pettus Bridge one last time.John Bazemore/ AP

On Sunday, Congressman John Lewis' body was taken across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, one last time for a memorial event called "A Final Crossing."
In 1965, Lewis crossed this bridge with hundreds of other activists to fight for African American voting rights. The Alabama State Troopers met them with violence, naming the day Bloody Sunday.
Lewis returned to the bridge in 2015 with President Barack Obama on the 50th Anniversary of Bloody Sunday.
Lewis died on July 17 and his days-long memorial included a "Final Crossing" event, where crowds and troopers saluted and honored the fallen American hero with songs and flowers.

Congressman John Lewis was known for being an activist, a fighter, and a hero. He was most notably remembered for his famous crossing of the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama over 55 years ago.

The bloody and deadly day — Sunday, March 7, 1965 — went down in history books and ultimately helped the passage of the Voting Rights Act. On Sunday, more than a week after Lewis' death, his body crossed the bridge one last time in what was called, "A Final Crossing."

Take a look back at Lewis' experiences with the infamous bridge and see what the memorial event looked like.

John Lewis first crossed Edmund Pettus Bridge in 1965 to raise awareness about African American voting rights.

John Lewis with other protestors at Edmund Pettus Bridge in 1965. Bettmann / Getty

When Lewis and hundreds of other protestors reached the bridge in Selma, they were met by Alabama State Troopers.

John Lewis decades later. Bill Clark / Getty

The day helped usher in the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

The Voting Rights Act plaque in front of Edmund Pettus Bridge. BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI / Getty

Lewis returned to the bridge in 2015 to cross it with then-President Barack Obama.

President Barack Obama and John Lewis. SAUL LOEB / Getty

On Sunday, Lewis' body crossed the bridge a final time.

Lewis in the casket crossing the bridge. Lynsey Weatherspoon / Getty

The carriage and casket took the same route that Lewis took back in 1965. This time, however, troopers were saluting him.

Troopers saluted Lewis' body. Lynsey Weatherspoon / Getty

People waited for the casket to the cross the bridge as they sang in remembrance of Lewis.

Lewis in the casket crossing the bridge. John Bazemore/ AP

Rose petals lined the streets to honor the American activist and hero.

The bridge was filled with rose petals. Brynn Anderson/ AP

On Monday, Lewis' body will be laid at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.