Grief around Jimmy Carter: America says goodbye to a legend president

Grief around Jimmy Carter: America says goodbye to a legend president

Plains, Georgia, USA - The death of Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, triggered a wave of grief and respect. On December 29, 2024, just three months after his 100th birthday, Carter died in his home town of Plain, Georgia, with his family. On Saturday, January 4, 2025, a funeral procession was held by Plains, which recognized the modesty of the former president. Citizens swiveled flags and saluted the convoy who stopped at the peanut farm, where Carter spent his childhood. On this occasion, a bell was ringed 39 times, in honor of his life and his office, as [vienna.at] reported.

celebrations in Atlanta and Washington

in Atlanta gathered mourners to say goodbye to Carter before his body is brought to the capitol in Washington. The grandson of the former president, Jason Carter, spoke at the ceremony in the Carter Presidential Center and underlined: "We will spend this week to celebrate this incredible life." On Thursday, January 11th, the official funeral ceremony will take place in the National Cathedral, where President Joe Biden will keep the funeral speech. All four former presidents, including Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, are expected among the guests. Biden had declared Thursday to the national day of mourning, which leads to the closure of all federal authorities, confirmed [nytimes.com].

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