In brief
Former president Jimmy Carter, who passed away at 100 on Sunday, will be honored with a state funeral that encompasses a series of memorial events starting January 4. The ceremonies will include public viewings, a horse-drawn procession, and a national day of mourning, showcasing his legacy as a significant American leader.
Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, recently passed away at the age of 100, prompting a national outpouring of remembrance. The state funeral is scheduled for January 9, 2024, in Washington, D.C., following a series of ceremonies that will begin in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, on January 4. The memorial events will first honor Carter in Plains, where a motorcade will visit his childhood home before proceeding to the Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta for a public service. His body will be on view at the presidential library on January 5 and 6. The cortège will then travel to Washington D.C. on January 7, culminating with a two-day public viewing at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, where the deceased former president will lie in state.On January 9, a service will be held at the Washington National Cathedral, where several former presidents are expected to gather, including President Joe Biden, who will deliver the eulogy as per Carter's request made in March 2023. Other expected attendees include former presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and First Lady Jill Biden, although Donald Trump's plans remain uncertain.In recognition of Carter's contributions to the nation, President Biden has issued an executive order closing federal government offices and financial markets on the day of the funeral, marking it as a national day of mourning. Additionally, flags will be flown at half-mast on all federal buildings for 30 days. The state funeral not only serves as a memorial for a former president but also as a reaffirmation of Carter's lasting impact on American politics and society.
