The United States will honor former President Jimmy Carter with a state funeral on January 9, marking a national day of mourning for the country’s longest-lived president, who passed away at 100 years old.
The service will take place at the Washington National Cathedral and include tributes to Carter’s life as a statesman, humanitarian, and advocate for global peace.
Walter Mondale, Carter’s vice president, had initially been expected to deliver the eulogy, but following Mondale’s death in 2021, his son will take on that role, as reported by *The New York Times*.
President Joe Biden has ordered all U.S. flags on federal properties to be flown at half-staff for 30 days to honor Carter’s legacy. A public viewing is scheduled at the U.S. Capitol, where Americans from all walks of life will have the opportunity to pay their respects.
Following ceremonies in Washington, additional public memorial events will be held in Atlanta, Georgia, before Carter is laid to rest in Plains, Georgia, next to his wife, Rosalynn Carter, who passed away in November at the age of 96.
President Biden praised Carter’s humility and dedication in a statement: “He embodied the very best of America: A humble servant of God and the people.” Biden has declared January 9 as a day to honor the 39th president, whose contributions to the nation extended far beyond his time in office.
Tributes have poured in from across the political spectrum. Former President Donald Trump, despite ideological differences, described Carter as “a truly good man” deserving of his “highest respect.” Barack Obama called Carter “a teacher in grace, dignity, and service,” while Bill Clinton and George W. Bush also praised his lifelong dedication to humanity.
Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International, expressed condolences on behalf of the organization Carter supported for decades: “We are deeply saddened by President Carter’s passing, and our prayers are with the Carter family.”
James Earl Carter Jr., a Georgia peanut farmer turned Naval officer, served as president from 1977 to 1981. During his tenure, he championed global peace, human rights, and environmental stewardship, notably brokering the Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel. However, his presidency was overshadowed by economic challenges and the 1980 defeat to Ronald Reagan.
Carter’s true legacy was cemented in his post-presidency. He founded the Carter Center to advance global health and democracy, won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, and continued humanitarian work well into his 90s, famously building homes with Habitat for Humanity.
Chioma Kalu
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