The United States will honor former President Jimmy Carter with a national day of mourning on January 9, culminating in his state funeral at the Washington National Cathedral. Carter, who passed away at his home in Plains, Georgia, on Sunday at the age of 100, is remembered as the longest-lived US president.
Originally, Walter Mondale, Carter’s vice-president, was set to deliver the eulogy, but following Mondale’s death in 2021, his son will read the prepared speech at the funeral, as reported by the New York Times. Additional tributes will include public ceremonies in Atlanta, Georgia, before Carter’s burial in his hometown of Plains, organized by the Carter Center.
In accordance with tradition for significant national figures, President Joe Biden has directed that US flags on federal properties be lowered to half-staff for 30 days, which will encompass the period leading up to President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration.
The Carter family has accepted an invitation from Congress for Carter to lie in state at the Capitol’s rotunda, where the public, including lawmakers and dignitaries, will have the opportunity to pay their respects. Carter will then be laid to rest on the family property next to his late wife, Rosalynn, who died in November 2023 at age 96.
President Biden has designated January 9 as a day to honor Carter, describing him as “a humble servant of God and the people” who epitomized the best of America.
Current and former political leaders have shared their respects. Donald Trump, despite political differences, acknowledged Carter as “a truly good man” on Truth Social. Statements from former Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama have celebrated Carter’s life, with Obama noting that Carter exemplified “grace, dignity, justice, and service.”
Carter’s presidency from 1977 to 1981 was marked by efforts in global peace, environmental advocacy, and human rights. His most notable diplomatic achievement was mediating the peace treaty between Egypt and Israel. However, economic struggles and a national “crisis of confidence” overshadowed these accomplishments, leading to his defeat by Ronald Reagan in the 1980 election.
Post-presidency, Carter’s legacy expanded through the Carter Center, focusing on disease eradication and conflict mediation, earning him the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize. His work with Habitat for Humanity, where he continued to volunteer well into his 90s, further cemented his humanitarian legacy. Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International, expressed the organization’s sorrow over Carter’s passing.
This day of mourning not only commemorates Carter’s contributions to the nation and the world but also underscores his lifelong dedication to service and peace.
