The life and legacy of the former U.S. President Jimmy Carter were celebrated in a moving state funeral at the Washington National Cathedral on Thursday, marking the end of a week of national mourning for the longest-living president in American history.
The service, which spanned roughly two hours, was filled with heartfelt tributes that painted a portrait of Carter not just as a political figure but as a humble and compassionate man. Political leaders, friends, and family gathered to remember Carter, who passed away on December 29 at the age of 100, for his dedication to public service, his faith, and his humanitarian work.
All five living U.S. presidents, including President-elect Donald Trump, attended the funeral, demonstrating a rare moment of unity in the often-divided political landscape. The ceremony commenced with the arrival of Carter’s flag-draped casket, symbolizing his service to the nation.
President Joe Biden delivered the eulogy, reflecting on nearly 50 years of friendship with Carter. Biden’s words were a testament to Carter’s character and his significant contributions both in and out of office. “He was a man of extraordinary integrity, and his life was a broader love story about love for his fellow humans,” Biden said, emphasizing Carter’s commitment to loving one’s neighbor.
Carter’s funeral was meticulously planned by him and his wife, Rosalynn Carter, who predeceased him in 2023. Their choices for the service, from the music to the speakers, were reflective of their personal tastes and values. Stu Eizenstat, a former aide to Carter, spoke passionately about Carter’s presidential achievements, urging the public to recognize his legacy, particularly in environmental policy, inflation control, and international peace efforts like the Camp David Accords.
Carter’s grandsons, Josh and Jason Carter, provided personal insights into his life, focusing on his long marriage to Rosalynn and his faith-based outlook on life. Jason Carter highlighted his grandfather’s readiness to join his beloved wife in the afterlife, underscoring the depth of their bond.
The funeral at the National Cathedral was part of a day declared by Biden as a national day of mourning, which included the closure of post offices, suspension of mail delivery, and the temporary shutdown of stock markets, a tradition dating back to the Civil War era for honoring deceased presidents.
Following the service, Carter’s remains were transported back to Georgia for a private burial in his hometown of Plains, ending a journey of tribute that began with memorials at the U.S. Capitol and the Carter Center in Atlanta.
Carter’s funeral not only honored a man who served his country with distinction but also reaffirmed the values of humility, service, and compassion he embodied, leaving a lasting imprint on the American consciousness.
