The United States will observe a National Day of Mourning for former President Jimmy Carter on January 9, highlighted by a state funeral at the Washington National Cathedral. Carter, who passed away Sunday at the age of 100 in Plains, Georgia, was the longest-lived president in U.S. history.
President Joe Biden ordered U.S. flags on federal properties to be flown at half-staff for 30 days, a traditional tribute to honor the life and legacy of the 39th president. Carter’s body will lie in state at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda ahead of the funeral, allowing the public and officials to pay their respects.
Funeral Details and Tributes
Carter’s state funeral will include a eulogy originally intended to be delivered by his vice president, Walter Mondale, who died in 2021. Mondale’s son will read the eulogy. Public ceremonies are also scheduled in Atlanta before Carter is interred beside his wife, Rosalynn Carter, who passed away in November 2023.
Biden praised Carter in a statement, calling him “a humble servant of God and the people.” The president has encouraged the nation to use January 9 to reflect on Carter’s contributions to the country and the world.
Former President Donald Trump described Carter as “a truly good man” despite political differences, while former President Barack Obama said Carter “taught us what it means to live a life of grace, dignity, and service.”
All living former presidents — Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump — are expected to attend Carter’s services.
Legacy of the 39th President
Carter served as president from 1977 to 1981, where he prioritized global peace, environmental policies, and human rights. He is perhaps best remembered for brokering the Camp David Accords, a historic peace agreement between Egypt and Israel.
Despite his achievements, Carter’s presidency was marked by economic struggles and what he described as “a crisis of confidence.” After losing his 1980 reelection bid to Ronald Reagan, Carter became a symbol of humanitarian work in his post-presidential years.
He founded the Carter Center, a nonprofit dedicated to global health, democracy, and conflict resolution. Carter also worked extensively with Habitat for Humanity, helping build homes for those in need well into his later years.
The National Day of Mourning will include the closure of stock markets, along with memorial events honoring Carter’s life and service to the nation.
Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International, expressed condolences to the Carter family, saying, “We are deeply saddened by President Carter’s passing.”
As the country prepares to bid farewell, Carter’s enduring contributions to peace, diplomacy, and public service remain at the forefront of his legacy.
