Today marks a somber day in U.S. history, as the legacy of the late Sandra Day O’Connor will forever remain. O’Connor, the first woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court, died on April 18, 2021 at the age of 88 after a battle with dementia. O’Connor served as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court from September 25, 1981 to January 31, 2006, when she announced her retirement.
Today, O’Connor lies in repose in the Great Hall of the U.S. Supreme Court, allowing members of the public to pay their last respects to her. She will later be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. According to congressional lawmakers, a memorial service is currently being planned in her honor.
Throughout her tenure, O’Connor was noted for her impartial judicial decisions and held her own during heated debates on issues such as abortion, campaign finance reform, and affirmative action. During her time on the Supreme Court, O’Connor’s voice and influence remained a strong constant in her decisions.
O’Connor’s passing leaves behind a legacy of two generations of U.S. Supreme Court justices that will continue to shape the judicial landscape of our nation. O’Connor’s unparalleled legal acumen and steadfast resolve in the face of adversity will forever be remembered in our nation’s history.
