The state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter began on Saturday in his home state of Georgia, marking the start of a six-day tribute that blends personal memorials with the traditional ceremonies reserved for former U.S. presidents. Carter, who passed away at his home in Plains on December 29 at the age of 100, was remembered for his humanitarian work, his presidency, and his deep ties to the state where he was born.
Funeral Procession and Tributes in Georgia
The day’s events started with Carter’s casket being transported from Phoebe Sumter Medical Center in Americus to his hometown of Plains. The motorcade paused at Carter’s boyhood farm, where the National Park Service rang a historic bell 39 times in honor of the 39th president. The journey then continued to Atlanta, where a moment of silence was observed at the Georgia State Capitol. At The Carter Center, a private memorial service was held, followed by Carter lying in repose for the public to pay their respects.
Governor Brian Kemp and Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens were among the dignitaries present for the ceremonies in Atlanta. The solemn events highlighted Carter’s journey from a small-town peanut farmer to the White House and his subsequent decades of service through The Carter Center, focusing on global health, democracy, and human rights.
National and Global Honors
Carter’s remains are scheduled to travel to Washington, D.C., where he will lie in state at the U.S. Capitol, a rare honor that underscores his status as a former president. President Joe Biden has declared January 9 as a national day of mourning, with various federal government closures planned in tribute. After the Washington ceremonies, Carter will be returned to Plains for a private funeral at Maranatha Baptist Church, where he taught Sunday school for many years. His burial will be next to his late wife, Rosalynn Carter, who passed away in November 2023.
Reactions from Others
Public reactions have been overwhelmingly respectful and filled with admiration for Carter’s legacy. Many have shared memories of his integrity and commitment to service. One individual remarked on Carter’s post-presidency efforts, noting how his work with Habitat for Humanity left a lasting impact on communities worldwide. Another expressed gratitude for Carter’s advocacy in human rights and peace, emphasizing his role in the Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel. There was also appreciation for his down-to-earth nature, with one person recalling meeting Carter in Plains, describing him as “humble and authentic.”
The ceremonies have also prompted reflection on Carter’s contributions to global health, particularly in the fight against Guinea worm disease, where his initiatives have nearly eradicated the illness. His commitment to election monitoring has also been praised, with many crediting him for strengthening democratic processes in numerous countries.
The start of Carter’s state funeral has not only been a time for mourning but also a moment to celebrate a life dedicated to public service, both within the United States and on the international stage. As the nation and the world honor Carter, his legacy as a peacemaker, humanitarian, and dedicated public servant continues to resonate.
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