Mourning Jimmy Carter: America says goodbye to a legendary president

Mourning Jimmy Carter: America says goodbye to a legendary president

The death of Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, has triggered a wave of grief and respect. On December 29, 2024, just three months after his 100th birthday, Carter died in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, surrounded by his family. A funeral procession was held through Plains on Saturday, January 4, 2025, honoring the former President's humility. Citizens waved flags and saluted the convoy, which stopped at the peanut farm where Carter spent his childhood. On this occasion, a bell was rung 39 times in honor of his life and office, as [vienna.at] reported.

Celebrations in Atlanta and Washington

In Atlanta, mourners gathered to say goodbye to Carter before his body was taken to the Capitol in Washington. The former president's grandson, Jason Carter, spoke at the ceremony at the Carter Presidential Center and emphasized, "We will spend this week celebrating this incredible life." The official funeral ceremony will take place at the National Cathedral on Thursday, January 11, with President Joe Biden delivering the eulogy. All four living former presidents, including Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, are expected to be among the guests. Biden had declared Thursday a national day of mourning, which will result in the closure of all federal agencies, [nytimes.com] confirmed.

After ceremonies in Washington, Carter's coffin will be flown to Georgia, where he will be buried next to his wife, Rosalynn, who died in 2023. This sad farewell will be marked by the coping with grief, but also by the appreciation of a life that was marked by a remarkable humanitarian commitment. Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his efforts to promote peace and human rights, underscoring his lasting legacy as an influential leader.