Former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on December 29 at the age of 100, is being honored with a series of events spanning six days. The tribute to the 39th president of the United States began on Saturday with a procession through his hometown of Plains, Georgia, followed by ceremonies at the state Capitol and the Carter Center in Atlanta.
Carter’s remarkable life story began with his service in the U.S. Navy for seven years before he returned to Georgia to work on the family farm and eventually enter politics. In 1970, he was elected as the governor of Georgia and went on to win the presidency in 1976 as a Democrat. Despite serving only one term in office, Carter made significant contributions to advancing international peace, democracy, and human rights, earning him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
His grandson, Jason Carter, reflected on the personal side of Carter’s legacy, describing him as a grandfather first and foremost. He emphasized Carter’s humble roots as a peanut farmer from a small town in Georgia, highlighting the extraordinary journey that led him to become the leader of the free world.
The events on Saturday kicked off with Carter’s family gathering at a local medical center in Americus, Georgia, where current and former Secret Service agents paid tribute by carrying his casket to the hearse. The motorcade then made its way to Plains, making a poignant stop in front of the farm where Carter spent his formative years. The National Park Service honored his presidency by ringing a bell 39 times, symbolizing his place as the 39th president of the United States.
The procession continued to the state Capitol in Atlanta, where dignitaries including Governor Brian Kemp, Lt. Governor Burt Jones, Mayor of Atlanta Andre Dickens, and members of the Georgia Legislature paid their respects with a moment of silence. The Carter Center hosted an arrival ceremony and a private service to commemorate Carter’s life and legacy.
Following the services in Atlanta, Carter’s body will lie in repose at the Carter Center until Tuesday morning. A departure ceremony will be held before his casket is transported to Washington, D.C., where further ceremonies will take place. The motorcade will stop at the U.S. Navy Memorial, and the casket will be transferred to a horse-drawn caisson with military honors.
The funeral procession will culminate at the U.S. Capitol, where military bearers will carry Carter’s casket to the Rotunda for a special ceremony. The nation will pay its final respects to a leader who dedicated his life to serving the American people and promoting peace around the world.
As the events honoring Jimmy Carter unfold over the course of six days, the nation reflects on the legacy of a president who exemplified integrity, humility, and a deep commitment to humanitarian causes. His impact on both domestic and international affairs continues to be felt, and his memory will be cherished for generations to come.
