Jimmy Carter's State Funeral Held Today in Washington
Jimmy Carter’s State Funeral Held Today in Washington
On Thursday, a state funeral will be held in Washington, D.C., to commemorate Jimmy Carter, the former U.S. president who endured a hostage crisis and a struggling economy but subsequently established a lengthy and admired post-White House career.The 39th president, who passed away on December 29 at the age of 100, will be commemorated by his fellow Democratic President, Joe Biden. During his extensive tenure in the chamber, Biden was the first member of the U.S. Senate to endorse Carter for president in the 1976 campaign. President-elect Donald Trump, who on Tuesday criticized treaties Carter signed during his presidency to grant Panama authority over the Panama Canal, is anticipated to attend, as are former presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, are among the world leaders and foreign dignitaries who will also attend.
Carter had been in hospice care for nearly two years before his demise, and he lived longer than any other U.S. president. His final public appearance was at the funeral of his wife, Rosalynn, who passed away in November 2023. Carter appeared emaciated and utilized a wheelchair during that service.Carter’s remains will be returned to Plains, Ga., where he resided for 44 years after leaving the White House. This location was the hub for his charitable endeavors, including Habitat for Humanity and diplomatic work. The state funeral will follow.
‘The end of an era’
Carter, who served from 1977 to 1981 and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his humanitarian work, was honored by tens of thousands of Americans who have streamed through the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol over the past two days.Dorian DeHaan, who was in the public viewing queue outside the Capitol, mentioned that her daughter married into the family of the president’s junior sister, Ruth. This presented an opportunity to meet the former president in Plains.DeHaan, 67, stated, “However, it is a disheartening occasion.” “It’s the end of an era, and I think we have lost this real belief in humanity in our presidency.”
The public observation hours were extended overnight and concluded shortly before sunrise on Thursday. Subsequently, an honor escort will transport his remains to the Washington National Cathedral, which has previously served as the site of the state funerals of Carter’s immediate predecessor, Gerald Ford, and successor, Ronald Reagan.
