Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a warrior for freedom. 

She lived a life committed to preserving the American ideal, from her early days fighting against gender discrimination to her illustrious tenure as one of the country’s top judges. So as news of Ginsburg’s death set in on Friday, mourners in Washington, D.C. paid their respects outside the hallowed halls of the U.S. Supreme Court.

Photos captured at the event reveal a solemn gathering of grieving Americans who showed up to express their appreciation for a life spent fighting on their behalf. Even in her final days, Ginsburg exhorted her fellow Americans to carry on the fight.

“My most fervent wish is that I will not be replaced until a new president is installed.” That’s what she told her granddaughter to share with the country after her death. Even as Donald Trump and his Senate crony Mitch McConnell line up to toss Ginsburg final wishes in the trash, there are glimmers even in this impromptu memorial service of an American public that’s ready to keep up the fight.

Stirring images from Ruth Bader Ginsburg's D.C. vigil remind us of her fight

Image: ALEX EDELMAN/AFP via Getty Images

Stirring images from Ruth Bader Ginsburg's D.C. vigil remind us of her fight

Image: ALEX EDELMAN/AFP via Getty Images

Stirring images from Ruth Bader Ginsburg's D.C. vigil remind us of her fight

Image: Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

Stirring images from Ruth Bader Ginsburg's D.C. vigil remind us of her fight

Image: Demetrius Freeman/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Stirring images from Ruth Bader Ginsburg's D.C. vigil remind us of her fight

Image: MICHAEL REYNOLDS/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Stirring images from Ruth Bader Ginsburg's D.C. vigil remind us of her fight

Image: MICHAEL REYNOLDS/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Stirring images from Ruth Bader Ginsburg's D.C. vigil remind us of her fight

Image: J Scott Applewhite/AP/Shutterstock

Stirring images from Ruth Bader Ginsburg's D.C. vigil remind us of her fight

Image: ALEX EDELMAN/AFP via Getty Images

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