The Bush family made a surprise visit to the Capitol

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WASHINGTON — The Bush family returned to the United States Capitol Tuesday evening in a surprise visit and greeted mourners gathered there to honor former president George H.W. Bush, who died late Friday at his home in Houston, the Associated Press reports.

The 41st president’s son and former president George W. Bush was with his wife, Laura Bush, their daughters, Jenna and Barbara, and his brother Jeb Bush, according to the AP, which reports about a dozen other Bush family members were present.

George W. Bush placed his hand on his father’s flag-draped casket, which has been lying in state at the rotunda since Monday. The family mingled for about 10 minutes, and shook hands and hugged members of the public, the AP reports. George W. Bush was also photographed holding up a baby brought by a visitor.

At 10 a.m. Wednesday, Bush’s coffin will be removed from the rotunda and transported by hearse to the Washington National Cathedral, where the service will begin at 11 a.m. and run for about an hour and a half.

George W. Bush is scheduled to deliver the eulogy for his father. Former Canadian prime minister Brian Mulroney and biographer Jon Meacham will also deliver eulogies for the 41st president. Former senator Alan Simpson of Wyoming, a close friend of the elder Bush, also is expected to speak.

The program will feature readings by his granddaughters Lauren Bush, Ashley Walker Bush and Jenna Bush Hager.

George H.W. Bush, 94, died after a battle with Vascular Parkinsonism.

Contributing: Associated Press and David Jackson.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: The Bush family made a surprise visit to the Capitol