The state funeral services for former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away at the age of 100, began with a week-long series of events to honor his legacy. The ceremonies, which kicked off in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, will pay tribute to Carter’s journey from local hero to global humanitarian and the 39th President of the United States. The ceremonies began with individuals placing flowers at Carter’s monument in downtown Plains, with heartfelt tributes from the community and Habitat for Humanity hardhats adorned with messages of respect and gratitude.
President Biden, now at 82 years old, has assumed the title of the oldest living president following Carter’s passing on December 29th. The specific cause of Carter’s death remains unclear, as it came shortly after the passing of his wife, Rosalynn, who died on November 19, 2023. The pair had been married for 77 years.
The private memorial service for Carter in Atlanta featured eulogies and stories about his life from his son, James Earl Carter III. Anecdotes were shared, including memories of President Carter spending time with his family and engaging in activities like Boy Scouts and family vacations. The Morehouse College Glee Club provided musical accompaniment during the service, playing patriotic tunes like the “Battle Hymn of the Republic” in honor of Carter’s service to the country.
Following the service in Atlanta, Carter’s body will lie in repose at the Carter Presidential Center to allow the public to pay their respects. The next stop for his casket will be in the District of Columbia, where he will lie in state at the U.S. Capitol before his Thursday morning funeral. President Biden is expected to deliver a eulogy, and invitations have been extended to all living former presidents for the funeral ceremonies.
The motorcade carrying Carter’s remains passed through various significant locations, including Plains, Archery, and the Georgia State Capitol, as a tribute to his life and service to the nation. The funeral events were carefully planned to honor Carter’s legacy, with pallbearers from his time in the Secret Service and various dignitaries participating in the ceremonies. A moment of silence was observed at the Georgia State Capitol, led by Governor Brian Kemp and Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, among others, to commemorate Carter’s contributions to the state and the country.
The funeral events for Carter are set to continue with his remains being transported to Washington, D.C., for further services, including lying in state at the U.S. Capitol. President Biden will deliver a eulogy at the national funeral service at the Washington National Cathedral, with the day declared a National Day of Mourning. Following the Washington service, 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 beloved wife, Rosalynn.
