The nation is preparing to honour the life of former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away at the age of 100 on Sunday at his home in Plains, Georgia. U.S. President Joe Biden has announced that a state funeral will be held in Washington, D.C., on January 9, 2025. Flags across the United States will be flown at half-staff for 30 days in tribute to the former president, marking a period of mourning for a man widely recognised for his leadership, humanitarian work, and dedication to peace.
Carter’s death, after spending nearly two years in hospice care, comes less than a year after the passing of his wife of 77 years, Rosalynn. Despite his declining health, Carter demonstrated remarkable resilience. In October 2024, just days before his death, he was wheeled outside to witness a military flyover in celebration of his 100th birthday. His family was by his side when he passed peacefully in Plains, where he had spent much of his life. The Carter Center, the nonprofit organisation founded by the former president and his wife, confirmed the news of his passing.
President Biden, who had long considered Carter a close friend, expressed his sorrow in a tribute from the U.S. Virgin Islands. “I lost a dear friend,” Biden said, reflecting on Carter’s legacy as a man of profound humility and faith. He described Carter as a “remarkable leader” who championed the “most fundamental human values,” adding, “We would all do well to be a little more like Jimmy Carter.”
Carter’s remarkable life spanned beyond his presidency. He was the 39th president of the United States, serving from 1977 to 1981, and became the longest-living president in U.S. history after surpassing George H.W. Bush in 2019. Known for his deep moral convictions, Carter was instrumental in negotiating the Camp David Accords, which led to the peace agreement between Egypt and Israel, a hallmark of his administration’s foreign policy. However, his most significant contributions came after leaving the White House, when he dedicated himself to global humanitarian causes through the Carter Center. The organisation has been instrumental in eradicating diseases like Guinea worm disease and promoting democracy worldwide.
During his post-presidency, Carter remained active in political and social causes, earning the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for promoting peace, democracy, and human rights. His commitment to justice and equality was grounded in his faith, which he continually shared through his work as a Sunday school teacher in Plains, Georgia. Despite stepping away from the political stage, Carter’s influence continued to be felt around the globe, and his reputation as an advocate for peace and humanitarian rights remains one of his lasting legacies.
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What to Expect After Jimmy Carter’s Passing
As the nation mourns the loss of the 39th president, several significant ceremonial events will take place to honour his memory. Though final arrangements are still pending, here are some traditions and events that are typically observed after the death of a former president:
- Flags at Half-Staff: By federal law, flags at all federal buildings, military bases, and naval vessels will be lowered to half-staff for 30 days in remembrance of President Carter. This symbol of respect is observed after a president’s passing.
- National Day of Mourning: On the day of the funeral, President Biden is expected to declare a National Day of Mourning. This will include suspending government operations and closing the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq markets. Today, Americans nationwide will pause to reflect on Carter’s legacy and contributions to the world.
- Ceremonial Gun Salutes: In keeping with military tradition, ceremonial gun salutes will be rendered following the president’s passing. Typically fired every half hour, these salutes will begin at reveille and continue until retreat, marking a sombre tribute to Carter’s service to the country.
- Funeral Procession: Former presidents are typically buried five days after their passing, allowing for a period of mourning and remembrance. Public observances are expected to occur in Atlanta and Washington, D.C., before Carter rests in Plains, Georgia. The Carter family is still finalising specific details about the funeral events, including motorcade routes and public events.
- Gathering of Presidents: The funeral will likely include all living former presidents, who will set aside political differences to pay respects to Carter’s life and work. Memorial services are typically held at the Washington National Cathedral, where dignitaries, family, and friends will gather to honour the former president’s contributions to the nation.
How American Presidents Plan Their Funerals
The funeral arrangements for a sitting or former president are carefully planned well in advance, often years before their passing. The White House Military Office and the U.S. Secret Service create these plans in coordination with the president’s family. Typically, the funeral details are kept confidential until the president’s death.
The funeral follows a series of established protocols, including state funerals for sitting presidents and ceremonial funerals for former presidents. For sitting presidents, the process is more elaborate, with a plan for a lying-in-state at the U.S. Capitol, followed by a service at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., and a burial at a family cemetery or a location of the president’s choosing.
A similar pattern is followed for former presidents, though the specifics vary. While a funeral service at the Washington National Cathedral is standard, each former president has some influence over the location of their final resting place. The Carter family, for example, has chosen Plains, Georgia, as the location for his interment. Plans also include a motorcade to transport the body from the capital to the final burial site, with ceremonial gun salutes and honours along the way.
Like those of other former presidents, Carter’s funeral will be a national event, providing an opportunity for Americans to reflect on the life of one of their longest-serving leaders. His passing marks the end of an era for the United States, defined by his dedication to public service, peace, and human rights. As the country reflects on his legacy, his life is an enduring testament to the power of integrity, faith, and the pursuit of a better world.