The nation prepares to bid farewell to former President Jimmy Carter, a man whose life spanned a century and whose legacy of service extends far beyond his single term in the Oval Office. Carter, who passed away peacefully on Sunday at the age of 100, will be honored with a state funeral, a meticulously orchestrated series of events designed to pay tribute to his life and accomplishments. The funeral proceedings, which will unfold over several days in both Washington, D.C., and his home state of Georgia, will culminate in a poignant burial ceremony in Plains, Georgia, where he will rest beside his beloved wife, Rosalynn.
The commemorative events will commence in Georgia, where Carter’s life began and where he ultimately returned after his time in Washington. On Saturday, January 4th, a service will be held at the Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta, a testament to his post-presidency dedication to peace, human rights, and global health. The public will have the opportunity to pay their respects as he lies in repose at the Center until January 7th. Prior to arriving in Atlanta, his journey will include stops at his boyhood home in Plains and the Georgia State Capitol, marking a symbolic return to the places that shaped his early life.
Following the Georgia services, the focus will shift to the nation’s capital. On January 7th, Carter’s remains will arrive in Washington, D.C., where a solemn funeral procession will escort him from the U.S. Navy Memorial to the U.S. Capitol. There, he will lie in state for two days, allowing members of the public and Congress to honor his memory. A special service for members of Congress is scheduled for the 7th, underscoring the respect he garnered from both sides of the political aisle.
The culmination of the official ceremonies will take place on Thursday, January 9th, designated by President Biden as a National Day of Mourning. A state funeral will be held at Washington National Cathedral at 10 a.m., a fitting venue for a man whose deep faith guided his life and work. President Biden will deliver a eulogy, a testament to the enduring respect and admiration Carter commanded. Jason Carter, the former president’s grandson and chairman of the Carter Center, will also offer reflections on his grandfather’s life. Adding a further layer of historical significance, eulogies penned by former President Gerald Ford and former Vice President Walter Mondale will be read by their respective sons, connecting Carter’s legacy to the broader tapestry of American political history.
Following the state funeral, Carter will be laid to rest in Plains, Georgia, beside Rosalynn, his partner of 76 years. This final act will bring his journey full circle, returning him to the familiar soil of his hometown. The burial will mark the end of the formal ceremonies, but the impact of Carter’s life and work will undoubtedly continue to resonate for generations to come. His dedication to human rights, his commitment to peace, and his unwavering faith served as guiding principles throughout his life, leaving an indelible mark on both the national and global stage.
The meticulous planning and execution of a state funeral reflect the profound respect and honor bestowed upon former presidents. These events, steeped in tradition and symbolism, provide a moment of national unity and reflection. While the specific details of attendance by other former presidents and dignitaries are yet to be confirmed, it is expected that many will gather to pay their respects to this remarkable figure. President Trump, while having expressed differing political views, acknowledged Carter’s love for his country and offered condolences to his family. The closure of the New York Stock Exchange and federal agencies on January 9th further underscores the national significance of this day of mourning, allowing the nation to pause and reflect on the life and legacy of a man who dedicated himself to service, both in and out of the presidency.
