Jimmy Carter’s Final Farewell: A National Tribute
Washington, D.C. – January 2025
The body of late US President Jimmy Carter arrived in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, where it will lie in state at the US Capitol before a national funeral ceremony later this week.
A Life of Service and Humanity
Carter, who passed away on December 29 at the age of 100, served a single term from 1977-1981. He was widely praised for his post-presidential humanitarian efforts, for which he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. As a Georgia native, his body was transported with honors from Atlanta, where thousands had visited to pay respects, to the presidential US Air Force plane and flown to Joint Base Andrews just outside the US capital.
A Final Tribute
In an ode to Carter’s military service on submarines, his body was driven to the US Navy memorial in Washington and transferred from a hearse to a horse-drawn caisson for a funeral procession to the US Capitol. Pennsylvania Avenue, the road leading to the Capitol, has been cleared of snow from a recent winter storm, which has prompted federal office and school closures in the area.
Lying in State
Military pallbearers will carry his flag-draped casket to the Capitol rotunda, where his body will lie in state, surrounded by a guard of honor of service members, until 7am Thursday. Carter will be the 13th former US President to lie in state in the Capitol, with Abraham Lincoln, assassinated in 1865, being the first.
National Funeral Service
A national funeral service is to be held Thursday at the National Cathedral, an Episcopal church in Washington that has hosted state funerals for former Presidents Dwight Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan, Gerald Ford, and George H.W. Bush. Current President Joe Biden will deliver the eulogy for his fellow Democrat.
Attendance and Tributes
All four living former Presidents – Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump – are expected to attend. Biden has declared Thursday a national day of mourning, with federal government offices to be closed for the day. He has also ordered flags to half-staff for 30 days, as is customary, which means they will remain lowered during Trump’s January 20 inauguration, a decision the Republican has criticized.
A Life Well-Lived
The first President to reach triple digits, Carter had been in hospice care since February 2023 in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, where he died and will be buried next to his late wife, former First Lady Rosalynn Carter.
Conclusion
As the nation pays its respects to President Jimmy Carter, we remember his life of service, humanity, and dedication to the American people. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the significance of lying in state at the US Capitol?
A: Lying in state is a rare honor reserved for former Presidents, as well as other distinguished Americans who have made significant contributions to the country.
Q: What is the purpose of the national funeral service?
A: The national funeral service is a ceremonial event to pay respects to the deceased President and celebrate his life and legacy.
Q: Who will deliver the eulogy at the national funeral service?
A: Current President Joe Biden will deliver the eulogy for his fellow Democrat, Jimmy Carter.