ATLANTA — The first day of funeral services for former President Jimmy Carter has concluded in Georgia, where he lived much of his life and dedicated his post-presidential years to humanitarian efforts.
Following Carter’s passing at the age of 100, mourners from across the nation traveled to Georgia to pay their respects, as heartfelt tributes flooded in from around the globe.
On Saturday morning in Carter’s hometown of Plains, residents left flowers, flags, and blue Habitat for Humanity hats at a marble monument honoring the former president.
Among the onlookers were Sarah and London Wollenweber, who drove 12 hours from Bloomington, Ill., to see the funeral procession. London, a high school student, mentioned that four years prior, he had made his mother promise to take him to one of Carter’s memorial services.
“When we look back at all the former presidents in American history, he’s the one that truly stands out as the one who’s continued to do the most work for this country and for the world,” he expressed.
The state funeral ceremonies commenced with members of Carter’s Secret Service detail carrying his casket to a hearse. The procession then passed through Plains, where the former president was born, before stopping at his boyhood home now known as the Jimmy Carter National Historic Park.
National Park staff members rang the farmhouse bell 39 times to honor Carter, the 39th president, before the motorcade began a winding journey through Georgia’s backroads to the interstate, concluding with a moment of silence at the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta.
Carter, who had minimal national recognition when elected president in 1976, previously served in the Georgia Senate and one term as governor before his presidency. Following a significant defeat in 1980, he returned to Georgia to establish The Carter Center, a humanitarian organization focusing on public health, democracy, and global issues.
A funeral service at the Carter Presidential Center included musical performances and tributes from family members emphasizing Carter’s dedication to humanitarian work.
“We will spend this week celebrating this incredible life,” remarked a family member, adding that “it’s amazing what one can achieve in 100 years.”
Members of the public will have the opportunity to pay their respects as Carter lies in repose from 7 p.m. ET Saturday until 6 a.m. ET Tuesday.
After leaving Atlanta Tuesday morning, Carter’s remains will travel to Washington, D.C., for memorial services, including lying in state at the U.S. Capitol.
Following these ceremonies, Carter’s final flight will return him to Georgia, where a private burial ceremony will be held at the family home.
