Tens of Thousands of devastated Venezuelans poured out onto the streets of Caracas to view the casket of President Hugo Chavez, who died yesterday after a lengthy battle with cancer, as it was taken to the official viewing area. 

The capital was awash in a sea of red as people donned the color of beret that was favored by Chavez.  The simple wooden casket, draped with the Venezuelan flag, was placed on top of a hearse and slowly driven through the city.  Many wept as it in front of them, reaching forward to touch the leader for the last time.

Venezuelan officials say Chavez will lie in state for three days at the Fuerte Tiuna Military Academy until Friday morning, when his state funeral is held there.

A number of South American leaders are already in Caracas for the funeral.  Among them are Uruguay's Jose Mujica, Argentina's Cristina Kirchner, and Bolivia's Evo Morales.  The United States will send a delegation, despite years of anti-American rhetoric from Chavez.

The mourning period will last 7 days and elections to replace Chavez will take place within 30 days.  Vice President Nicolas Maduro hasn’t announced his intention to run but it is widely expected he will and is favored to win.