Death and state funeral of Josip Broz Tito facts for kids

The funeral of Josip Broz Tito, who was the President of Yugoslavia, happened on 8 May 1980. This was four days after he passed away on 4 May. Many important world leaders, both friends and former rivals, came to his funeral. Because so many politicians and country representatives attended, it is still seen as the biggest state funeral in history.

Leaders from 128 different countries were there. At that time, there were 154 countries in the UNO. These leaders came from both sides of the Cold War. Among them were four kings, 31 presidents, six princes, 22 prime ministers, and 47 foreign ministers.

A Leader's Final Journey

Josip Broz Tito was a very important leader. He was the President of Yugoslavia for a long time. His funeral was a huge event. It showed how much he was respected around the world.

A Sad Farewell: Tito's Passing

Tito became unwell in 1979. In January 1980, he went to the University Medical Centre in Ljubljana. Sadly, his health got worse. He passed away at the Medical Centre Ljubljana on 4 May 1980. He was almost 88 years old.

The Blue Train's Last Ride

After he passed away, Tito's body was taken to the capital city, Belgrade. It traveled on his special official train, called the "Plavi voz" or Blue train. His body rested in the Federal Parliament building until the funeral. People could visit and pay their respects there.

Images for kids

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  House of Flowers, Tito's mausoleum.

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  Tito's tomb.

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  Tito's grave.

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  Tito's Blue Train (Plavi voz), the train which carried Tito's coffin from Ljubljana to Belgrade.

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  A message from the CIA about Tito's death, sent on 4 May 1980.

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  State funeral of Josip Broz Tito