Hundreds gathered at the Howard H. Baker Jr. Center of Public Policy on the University of Tennessee campus on Monday to pay their respects to one of Tennessee’s most respected statesmen.

Howard Baker Jr, the former Senator and U.S. ambassador, died at his home on Thursday.

On Monday, people slowly filed by Baker’s flag-draped casket in the rotunda of the Baker Center.

The viewing was a chance for the public to come out and pay their respects to the statesman.

Baker’s family was there, and his daughter, Cissy Baker, said it was important for them to be able to say hello to everyone who came there to say goodbye.

“I really think this is beautiful. And the changing of the guard is really cool, so I think some are grieving and say it’s a sad occasion, but I really see it as a beautiful celebration of Howard Baker’s life,” said Baker.