The passing of former President Jimmy Carter was marked by a series of events that served as a final farewell to a man who had a significant impact on American politics and world affairs. The journey honoring his life began at his childhood home in Plains, Georgia, where he was raised and eventually laid to rest. Throughout his life, Carter experienced the complexities of growing up in the segregated South, which shaped his worldview and his dedication to advocating for racial equality and justice. The hearse carrying his remains also passed through Plains, a town that was his home base and a place where he remained an enduring presence throughout his life.
The memorial events honoring Jimmy Carter reflected on the legacy he left after a single term as President and his post-presidential life, which was defined by efforts to eradicate disease and promote democracy around the world. From his early days working on his family’s farm to his later years as a global humanitarian, Carter’s journey was marked by a commitment to service and a deep sense of faith. Those who gathered along the procession route expressed admiration for Carter’s ability to balance his Christian beliefs with secular leadership, as well as his efforts to bring the country together during politically divisive times.
The motorcade traveled from Plains through the countryside to Atlanta, where city and state leaders gathered outside the Capitol to pay their respects to the former President. Carter was known for his love of baseball, political hangouts, and his work at the Carter Center, the nonprofit organization he founded with his wife. The private service held at the Carter Center provided an opportunity for family, friends, and colleagues to reflect on his life and legacy before he was set to lie in state at the U.S. Capitol in Washington.
The funeral service at the Washington National Cathedral was attended by current and former Presidents, including President Biden and former President Trump. The ceremony honored Carter’s contributions to American politics and world affairs, as well as his dedication to public service and humanitarian causes. The journey concluded with Carter being laid to rest beside his wife Rosalynn in Plains, Georgia, where they had built their home together. The ceremonies and events celebrating his life served as a reminder of the lasting impact he had on the nation and the world.
