Former President Jimmy Carter’s state funeral is scheduled for January 9 at Washington National Cathedral, coinciding with a national day of mourning for the longest-serving U.S. president.
Walter Mondale, who served as Carter’s vice president, had planned to deliver the eulogy but passed away in 2021. His son will honor his father’s legacy by reading the eulogy at the service.
As the nation prepares to pay tribute to the renowned humanitarian, who passed away at 100 years old in his home in Plains, Georgia, more details have emerged regarding public ceremonies set to take place in Atlanta before Carter’s burial in Plains.
In accordance with U.S. customs for honoring significant leaders, President Joe Biden has ordered flags on federal properties to be flown at half-staff for 30 days, which will include the upcoming inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump.
The Carter family has graciously accepted an invitation from Congress for Carter to lie in state at the U.S. Capitol rotunda. This traditional public viewing will allow lawmakers, high-profile individuals, and everyday Americans an opportunity to pay their respects.
Carter will be laid to rest on his family’s estate beside his wife, Rosalynn, who passed away at 96 in November 2023.
Biden has declared January 9 a day to honor America’s 39th president, James Earl Carter Jr. “He embodied the very best of America: A humble servant of God and the people,” Biden stated.
Trump acknowledged their philosophical differences but expressed his respect for Carter, calling him “a truly good man.” Other U.S. leaders, including former presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, also shared statements recognizing Carter’s contributions.
Barack Obama noted that Carter “taught us all what it means to live a life of grace, dignity, justice, and service.”
Carter, a former peanut farmer from Georgia, served as president from 1977 to 1981, focusing on global peace, human rights, and environmental issues, for which he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
Among his notable achievements was facilitating a peace agreement between Egypt and Israel. However, his presidency was challenged by economic struggles and what he termed “a crisis of confidence,” leading to a significant defeat against Ronald Reagan in the 1980 election.
Much of Carter’s enduring legacy stems from his post-presidential efforts, including establishing the Carter Center to combat disease and his ongoing work with Habitat for Humanity, where he actively participated in building and repairing homes well into his 90s.
Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International, expressed condolences, stating, “We are deeply saddened by President Carter’s passing, and our prayers are with the Carter family.”
