The state funeral services for former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away at 100, began with a tribute in his hometown of Plains, Georgia. The ceremonies will honor Carter’s remarkable journey from his humble beginnings in Georgia to serving as the 39th American president and his contributions on the global humanitarian stage. The specific cause of his death on Dec. 29 was not immediately clear, but it followed the passing of his wife Rosalynn just weeks earlier. Carter was the oldest living president at the time of his death.
The funeral events began on Saturday, January 4, with the Carter family arriving at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center in Americus, Georgia. A motorcade then traveled through Plains, stopping at Carter’s boyhood home in Archery for a moment of remembrance. The journey continued to Atlanta, where a moment of silence was held at the Georgia State Capitol, followed by an arrival ceremony at the Carter Presidential Center. President Carter’s body will lie in repose at the Carter Presidential Center, allowing the public to pay their respects until Tuesday, Jan. 7.
After the public viewing in Georgia, President Carter’s remains will be transported to Washington, D.C., where he will lie in state at the U.S. Capitol for national homage. A national funeral service will be held at the Washington National Cathedral on Jan. 9, with President Joe Biden expected to deliver the eulogy. Biden declared Thursday a National Day of Mourning in honor of Carter. Following the service in Washington, Carter’s remains will return to Georgia for a private funeral at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, where he will be laid to rest next to his late wife.
The tribute in Plains included individuals gathering to place flowers at the base of Carter’s monument, as well as Habitat for Humanity hard hats adorned with handwritten messages honoring the former president. The funeral events will pay tribute to Carter’s legacy as a statesman, humanitarian, and public servant. The order of events for the funeral services was carefully planned to honor Carter’s life and accomplishments, with specific moments of remembrance along the way.
President Carter’s passing marked the end of an era, as he was the oldest living president at the time of his death. His impact on American politics, international relations, and humanitarian efforts will be remembered and celebrated during the funeral services. The public viewing in Georgia and the national funeral service in Washington will provide an opportunity for people to pay their respects and reflect on Carter’s contributions to his country and the world. The ceremonies will highlight his lifelong dedication to service and commitment to making a difference.
