Public pays tribute to women’s rights icon, late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Washington, D.C. — Thousands of people packed the streets outside the U.S. Supreme Court Wednesday to pay tribute to the late Justice, Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

She lied in repose on the steps of the nation’s highest court where she served for almost three decades.

Lines of people wrapped around the U.S. Supreme Court; many were moms with their daughters.

“They’ve studied Ruth in school you know and it’s remarkable. It’s so moving to be here,” said Eleni Stavrianos, who brought her two teenage daughters to pay their respects.

>> Ruth Bader Ginsburg to lie in repose at Supreme Court

“She’s obviously such an inspiration,” 17-year-old Madeline Stavrianos said. “She has done so much for our country.”

Ginsburg served 27 years on the U.S. Supreme Court.

Former President Bill Clinton, who appointed Ginsburg, paid his respects to the pioneer.

The impact of her legacy was not lost on three-year-old Lucille, whose parents dressed her up in an outfit resembling the traditional black judicial robe and Ginsburg’s well-known eyeglasses.

“I talk to them a lot about her life of service which is something I think all of my kids can try to emulate and admire,” said Meghann Wilson, Lucille’s mother.

More than 100 former law clerks came out to serve as honorary pallbearers.

>> Photos: Ruth Bader Ginsburg lies in repose at Supreme Court

Ginsburg’s family held a private ceremony inside the courthouse.

Though small in stature, Ginsburg was a powerful force.

“She fought for what was right even when it was all against her,” said Karen Liebowitz. “She was in a man’s world and no matter what anybody said, she stuck to her guns.”

Liebowitz and her wife Patricia Dwyer are from the same part of Brooklyn where Ginsburg grew up and traveled to Washington D.C. to say goodbye to the trailblazer.

“One small person from Brooklyn made a huge difference in the world,” Dwyer said.

Cox Media Group