The nation is in mourning following the passing of former President Jimmy Carter, who died at the age of 100 on Sunday, December 29. In a declaration by President Biden, it was announced that a state funeral for Carter will be held on January 9 in Washington, D.C. This day will also be designated as a National Day of Mourning for the late president.
President Biden called on the American people to assemble in their respective places of worship on January 9 to pay homage to the memory of President Carter. He also extended the invitation to people around the world who share in the grief of the nation. As a mark of respect, all American flags will be flown at half-staff for 30 days at federal buildings, military posts, naval stations, and naval vessels. Additionally, most of the federal government will be closed on January 9 in observance of the day of mourning.
A state funeral is a significant event that honors the life and legacy of a former president. It typically consists of a series of ceremonies and memorials over a period of seven to ten days. The first stage involves events in Georgia, where President Carter lived for most of his life. The next stage includes ceremonies in Washington, which may involve military honors and tributes. The Pentagon has indicated that there may be Armed Forces honor guards, elite military bands, and other military units participating in the ceremonies.
The Carter Center confirmed that President Carter will lie in state in the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol as part of the state funeral proceedings. The final stage of the state funeral will involve ceremonies in Plains, Georgia, the hometown of the former president, where he has chosen to be interred.
Many dignitaries and prominent figures are expected to attend President Carter’s funeral. President Biden has been asked by Carter to deliver the eulogy at the service, and First Lady Jill Biden is also likely to be in attendance. Former presidents and first ladies usually attend the funerals of their predecessors, so it is expected that Barack and Michelle Obama, Bill and Hillary Clinton, and George and Laura Bush will be present.
The question remains whether former President Donald Trump will attend Carter’s funeral. While he did not attend Rosalynn Carter’s funeral in 2023, his wife Melania Trump was in attendance along with all the former first ladies. Trump did attend the funeral of former President George H.W. Bush in 2018 while he was in office.
In a statement issued on Sunday night, Trump expressed his condolences and gratitude for President Carter, acknowledging the impact of his presidency on the nation. The details of Trump’s attendance at the funeral have not yet been announced.
The passing of President Carter has been met with an outpouring of tributes and remembrances from political leaders, colleagues, and the public. His legacy as a Nobel Peace Prize winner and a champion of human rights and democracy will continue to inspire generations to come. The state funeral on January 9 will be a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to serving his country and the world.
